AFSP Illinois Launches 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks to Raise Funds and Awareness for Suicide Prevention

Community Walks Bring Together Families, Neighbors, and Advocates Across 14 Illinois Communities to Fund Life-Saving Programs

CHICAGO, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has unveiled the schedule for its 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks. As the state's largest suicide prevention and mental health awareness campaign, this signature event series will take place in 14 communities across Illinois from September through October.

AFSP Illinois is calling on residents, business leaders, and local advocates to join the effort to raise more than $1 million throughout the state. In Illinois, suicide is the third leading cause of death for individuals ages 15 through 34, and the fourth leading cause of death for those ages 35 through 54.

The Out of the Darkness Walks are part of a nationwide movement of more than 400 walks that bring together friends, family, and supporters. These events raise much-needed funds while strongly sending the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one has to walk through their mental health journey alone.

"These walks are often a person's first introduction to the community of support AFSP offers," said Philip Martinez, Board Chair of the AFSP Illinois chapter. "By walking together, we honor the loved ones we have lost, support those who are struggling, and fund critical resources that directly save lives in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods across Illinois."

How to Get Involved

There is no fee to register for any Out of the Darkness Walk. Participants are encouraged to sign up, raise funds, and build supportive networks:

• Register: Sign up as an individual walker to show your solidarity.
• Form a Team: Gather friends, family, or coworkers to walk together.
• Donate: Individuals unable to attend in person can still make a difference by making a direct donation.

To register for an Illinois walk, visit the Community Walks page of the AFSP Illinois website. To find a community walk elsewhere in the country, visit the interactive map on the AFSP website.

"Every person who registers, starts a team, or donates helps us break down the barriers surrounding mental health. This walk season is a powerful reminder that we are stronger together, and that there is an entire community standing ready to bring hope out of the darkness," said AFSP Illinois Executive Director Angela Cummings.

2026 Illinois Community Walk Schedule

Spanning from the Mississippi River to the Chicago lakefront, the 2026 Illinois Out of the Darkness walk schedule highlights opportunities for residents across the state to make an impact:

• 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 Illinois Walk – UIS Student Union Building (Springfield, IL)
• Oct. 3, 2026 | Quincy Walk – South Park (Quincy, IL)
• Oct. 3, 2026 | Chicagoland Walk – Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave. (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, 2701 1st Street East (Milan, IL)
• Oct. 17, 2026 | Metro East Walk – The Square, 19 Public Square (Belleville, IL)
• Oct. 17, 2026 | Greater Peoria Walk – Fon du Lac Park District Admin. Ctr. Bldg. (East Peoria, IL)

The Fight to Save Lives
According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34, affecting 1 in 5 families in the U.S. In 2023, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported an estimated 12.8 million adults aged 18 or older reported having thoughts of suicide, and 1.5 million (0.6%) adults attempted suicide during the past year. However, 91% of adults in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected by suicide. The organization creates a culture that is smart regarding mental health through educational programs, advocation for suicide prevention, and providing support for those affected by suicide. All donations go towards these efforts with the goal to greatly reduce the national suicide rate. For more about AFSP Illinois. Go to www.afsp.org/Illinois

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call, text or chat 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Or go to https://988lifeline.org/.

Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources
Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs
Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org/reporting

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention