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Join the Fight Against Suicide: Out of the Darkness Campus Walks

This spring, students and community members in Illinois are coming together to combat the alarming rise of suicide with the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks. Sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), these events provide an opportunity for individuals impacted by suicide to connect, support one another, and raise awareness surrounding mental health issues.

Event Details

Two main walks will take place:

• - Lewis University Campus Walk: April 25, 9:00 AM, at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Romeoville, IL.
• - Northwestern University Campus Walk: May 31, 12:00 PM, at the Norris Center at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

These events not only promote awareness but also offer various ways for participants to make a difference. Individuals can engage by fundraising, volunteering, or even becoming sponsors for the walk.

Statistics Highlight the Urgency

Suicide remains a pressing issue, especially among young adults—identified as the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 12.8 million adults aged 18 or older reported having suicidal thoughts, with an estimated 1.5 million attempting suicide within the past year. Despite these daunting statistics, most Americans—91%—believe that suicide can be prevented.

The Impact of Community Support

Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP Illinois, emphasizes the importance of community solidarity: "The life-saving work we do at AFSP, from research and education to advocacy and support, is made possible through events like our Out of the Darkness Campus Walks. These gatherings bring people together to raise awareness, share their stories, and remind one another that hope is real. When students and campus communities show up for each other, it sends a powerful message that no one has to face their struggles alone."

The theme of the campus walks, "Hope Walks Here," encapsulates the spirit of these events. Diana Cazares, fundraising manager for AFSP Illinois, notes, "On walk day, you can truly feel the hope. It’s incredible to see students supporting each other and fostering open dialogues."

Since the inaugural campus walk in 2010, this initiative has significantly highlighted mental health issues and promoted suicide prevention. AFSP continues its commitment to saving lives and instilling hope in those affected by suicide.

Join the Movement

There is no fee to participate in the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks, and everyone is encouraged to register. Interested individuals can find the registration page for their local campus walk at www.afsp.org/ILCampus. By joining this movement, you can contribute to a vital cause and help fight against suicide.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The AFSP Illinois chapter is dedicated to preventing suicide by promoting education, outreach, and advocacy. As part of a national network, AFSP Illinois includes individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: to eliminate the loss of life from suicide. To engage further, request free resources or schedule a program for your community, please visit afsp.org/Illinois.

Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help by calling or texting 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. More resources can be accessed at www.afsp.org/resources. Together, we can make a difference.