#United States #Chicago #Suicide Prevention #AFSP #Out of the Darkness

Walk for Hope: The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk

On September 27, the heart of Chicago will beat with purpose as residents come together for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the most significant annual event geared towards preventing suicide in the United States. This inspiring gathering, organized by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), aims to raise not just funds, but a powerful collective voice against a pressing public health crisis.

A Community of Hope

Starting from Montrose Harbor at 9:00 AM and continuing until 1:00 PM, participants will engage in a three-mile walk filled with meaningful interactions and initiatives that underscore the impact of suicide within communities. The event showcases vibrant expressions of hope, from poignant speeches to the Why We Walk Wall, which commemorates lives lost to suicide, and honor beads that represent the personal connections participants have to the cause.

The Out of the Darkness Walk is just one in a series of such events happening nationwide, uniting hundreds of thousands in solidarity. These walks have become vital platforms for open conversations about mental health, allowing individuals to share their experiences and connect with others who understand the challenges surrounding suicide.

Confronting the Crisis

As the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34 in the United States, the statistics around suicide are stark and sobering. In 2023, there were 49,316 reported deaths due to suicide, with millions more affected by attempts. The walk is essential not only for raising awareness but also for fostering a culture where mental health is prioritized and supported.

In Illinois alone, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for ages 15 to 34 and the fourth for ages 35 to 54, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing education and prevention efforts. Each participant contributes to a wider movement aiming to combat the stigma associated with mental illness and promote dialogues that can save lives.

Quotes from the Trail

Donna Piet, a participant and team captain representing In Michael's Memory, emphasizes the event's community aspect: "No one should grieve alone. The AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk brings together a community of loss survivors to provide a deeper connection with others who suffer this grief journey. Participation in the event these last four years has brought me a tremendous amount of hope, in that together we can fight the disease of mental illness. It takes a village."

Join the Movement

Walking can take shape in many forms—individuals or groups can sign up, emphasizing inclusivity. This year, AFSP-Illinois sets an ambitious goal to raise over $1 million, essential for funding research, offering education, advocating for mental health resources, and supporting those impacted by suicide. Various organizations, including Crowe, ComPsych, Compass Health Center, and United Airlines, are proud to sponsor this monumental event, underscoring their commitment to mental health advocacy.

"At ComPsych, we've been helping people at moments of crisis for more than 40 years," says ComPsych CEO Paul Posey. "We know firsthand how important the work that the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention does is for those struggling and for those who support them. We couldn't be prouder to be sponsoring the Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk again this year, helping to break down stigma while raising funds and awareness about how suicide can be prevented."

Understanding the Signs

One of the event's key missions is education. Research shows that 90% of individuals who die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. Many of these conditions go undiagnosed or untreated. As a public health issue, prevention is achievable through increased awareness, advocacy, and education on identifying warning signs; further information can be found at afsp.org/signs.

The walk will be emceed by Allison Rosati, an NBC 5 Chicago anchor, fostering community engagement through the media. Various local media outlets, including Telemundo, Audacy, and CHICAGO magazine, support the initiative, amplifying its reach and impact.

A Future with Hope

The important work of AFSP, especially in Illinois, is aimed at improving research and educational outreach. With a network of dedicated volunteers, AFSP Illinois commits to teaching skills in self-care and the significance of professional support to help individuals navigate their mental health challenges.

For anyone considering participating, you can register for the walk at chicagowalk.org. Together, we can create spaces of hope, remembrance, and healing. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the U.S. National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Every step taken at the Out of the Darkness Walk represents a step towards advocacy, prevention, and hope for a better tomorrow.