#United States #Chicago #Suicide Prevention #AFSP #Happiness Project

A Beacon of Hope: Chicagoland's Out of the Darkness Walk

On October 3, 2026, Montrose Harbor in Chicago will transform into a site of hope as thousands gather for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, marking the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Organized by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), this annual event serves as a powerful reminder that no one has to navigate their mental health journey alone.

With the Happiness Project taking center stage as the presenting sponsor, the upcoming walk aims to foster a supportive community while raising funds for critical suicide prevention research and educational initiatives. Suicide remains a pressing issue, particularly among young people; it stands as the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 34 in Illinois, and the fourth for those aged 35 to 54. “Each year, this walk strengthens our commitment to prioritizing mental health and honors the memories of those we've lost,” says Angela Cummings, Executive Director of AFSP Illinois. “Together, at Montrose Harbor, we create a culture of hope and action.”

Event Details

The event spans three miles and features various activities intended to uplift and educate participants. This year, walkers will find a resource and program tent, a dedicated area for loss survivors, and the “Why We Walk” Wall, wherein individuals can pay tribute to those they have lost. An essential and colorful element of the event, the signature AFSP honor beads will be distributed, allowing attendees to indicate their personal connection to the cause.

Key Event Information:

• - Date: October 3, 2026
• - Location: Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL
• - Check-In: 9:00 AM (CDT)
• - Event Start: 10:30 AM (CDT)
• - Registration/Donations: www.afsp.org/Chicago

Community Engagement: A Unified Front

The collaboration with the Happiness Project, a clothing brand dedicated to fighting mental health stigma, enhances the mission behind this walk. Mike Jones, Co-Founder/CMO of Happiness Project, states, “Working alongside AFSP Chicago aligns perfectly with our vision of normalizing discussions about mental health. Our mission is simple: make it 'cool' to talk about feelings, particularly for younger generations.”

Media support for this memorable day will come from local television personalities, with Stefan Holt, anchor of NBC 5 Chicago, set to emcee the event.

How to Participate

The AFSP Illinois chapter is on a mission to raise $1 million through this year's walk, and the community's support is essential. Here’s how you can get involved:

• - Register as an individual walker to demonstrate your support.
• - Form a Team of friends, family, or colleagues to walk together in solidarity.
• - If you are unable to attend, donate to support the cause at www.chicagowalk.org/Donate.

Additionally, if someone you know requires assistance, encourage them to call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The Ongoing Battle Against Suicide

The significance of events like the Out of the Darkness Walk is evidenced by statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, stating that suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 in the United States, striking 1 in 5 families. A shocking 12.8 million adults aged 18 and older reported having thoughts of suicide last year, while 1.5 million actually attempted it. However, a strong 91% of Americans believe that suicide can be prevented.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is committed to saving lives by cultivating a culture that embraces mental health awareness. All donations raised aid educational programs, advocacy for suicide prevention, and support for those impacted by suicide. For further information about AFSP, visit www.afsp.org.

If you or someone you care about may be at risk for suicide, please reach out for help. By uniting as a community, participating in events like the Out of the Darkness Walk, and fostering open conversations about mental health, we can change lives and save them too.