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AFSP Illinois Launches 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Illinois Chapter has officially announced the schedule for its 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks. This series of events stands as Illinois’ largest campaign dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness, set to occur across 14 communities from September to October.

In a state where suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 34, and the fourth among those aged 35 to 54, AFSP Illinois is mobilizing community members—residents, business leaders, and advocates alike—to join forces and aim to raise over $1 million.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are an integral part of a nationwide initiative, which comprises more than 400 similar events designed to unite friends, families, and supporters committed to the mission of prevention. These walks contribute significant funds and, perhaps more importantly, deliver a powerful message that suicide is preventable and that no one has to navigate their mental health struggles alone.

"These walks frequently serve as an individual's first encounter with the supportive community formed by AFSP," stated Philip Martinez, the Board Chair for the AFSP Illinois chapter. "By coming together in solidarity, we pay tribute to those we have lost, support those currently facing challenges, and fund essential resources that can save lives within schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods throughout Illinois."

Ways to Participate

There is no cost for individuals wishing to register for the Out of the Darkness Walks. Participants are encouraged to:

• - Register as individual walkers to demonstrate their support.
• - Form a Team by inviting friends, family, or co-workers to join the walk together.
• - Donate if they are unable to participate in person, as direct contributions still make a significant impact.

To sign up for an Illinois walk, interested parties can visit the Community Walks section on the AFSP Illinois website. For those looking for walks in different locations, the AFSP website features an interactive map.

"Each person who registers, creates a team, or contributes helps dismantle the barriers surrounding mental health," mentioned Angela Cummings, Executive Director of AFSP Illinois. "This walk season serves as a profound reminder of our collective strength and the entire community's readiness to offer hope in the midst of darkness."

2026 Illinois Community Walk Schedule

The upcoming walks will span from the Mississippi River to the Chicago lakefront, providing numerous opportunities for residents throughout Illinois to contribute meaningfully:

• - Sept. 12, 2026 | Southern Illinois Walk – Cobden Soccer Park, Cobden, IL
• - Sept. 12, 2026 | West Central Illinois Walk – Lake Storey Park, Shelter 3, Galesburg, IL
• - Sept. 19, 2026 | Macomb/McDonough County Walk – Macomb City Hall, Macomb, IL
• - Sept. 19, 2026 | Kankakee County Walk – Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL
• - Sept. 26, 2026 | DeKalb County Walk – Hopkins Park, DeKalb, IL
• - Sept. 26, 2026 | Bloomington/Normal Walk – Tipton Park Barn Shelter, Bloomington, IL
• - Sept. 26, 2026 | Springfield Walk – UIS Student Union Building, Springfield, IL
• - Oct. 3, 2026 | Quincy Walk – South Park, Quincy, IL
• - Oct. 3, 2026 | Chicagoland Walk – Montrose Harbor, Chicago, IL
• - Oct. 10, 2026 | LaSalle County Walk – Washington Square Park, Ottawa, IL
• - Oct. 10, 2026 | Rockford Area Walk – Rock Valley College, WTC Building, Rockford, IL
• - Oct. 11, 2026 | Quad Cities Walk – Camden Park, Milan, IL
• - Oct. 17, 2026 | Metro East Walk – The Square, Belleville, IL
• - Oct. 17, 2026 | Greater Peoria Walk – Fon du Lac Park District Admin. Ctr. Bldg., East Peoria, IL

The Challenge of Suicide Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 34, touching the lives of 1 in 5 families across the nation. In 2023, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicated that approximately 12.8 million adults over the age of 18 reported having suicidal thoughts, with 1.5 million adults attempting suicide within the previous year. Nevertheless, an encouraging 91% of American adults believe that suicide can be prevented.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is focused on saving lives and providing hope to individuals affected by suicide. The organization promotes a culture informed about mental health through educational programs, advocacy for suicide prevention, and support for those impacted by suicide. All donations received are directed towards these initiatives with the ultimate goal of significantly lowering the national suicide rate. For further details on AFSP Illinois, visit www.afsp.org/Illinois.

If you or someone you know is facing a suicidal crisis, please reach out for help by calling, texting, or chatting with the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988. More resources can be found at www.afsp.org/resources.