Suicide Loss Survivors Across Illinois Unite Nov. 21 for Healing and Shared Hope

International Survivors of Suicide Loss events create space for connection, remembrance, and resilience

CHICAGO, Nov. 5, 2026  /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide will gather across Illinois and around the world on Saturday, Nov. 21, for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Through a series of free in-person and virtual events organized by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), participants will find community with others who understand the unique nature of this grief and discover pathways toward healing.

"Survivor Day reminds us that grief after suicide is uniquely challenging, yet healing becomes possible when we come together with others who understand," said Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP Illinois. "These gatherings create a community of shared experience offering connection, understanding, and hope to everyone affected by this loss."

Established by Congress in 1999 through a resolution introduced by the late U.S. Senator Harry Reid, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (also known as Survivor Day) takes place annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, recognizing the challenges many loss survivors face during the holiday season.

This year, AFSP Illinois will host in-person gatherings and virtual events throughout the state, all free and open to anyone who has lost someone to suicide, whether a family member, friend, co-worker, or peer. Each event includes opportunities for reflection, support, and connection. The in-person events include a shared meal.

Illinois Survivor Day Schedule

To learn more or register for an AFSP Illinois Survivor Day event click linkpages.pro/isosld-2026.  You can also find details under the "Events" tab at afsp.org/Illinois.

Saturday, Nov. 14

• 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Anna, Stinson Memorial Library – Auditorium

Tuesday, Nov. 17

• 6–8 p.m. (CST) – Virtual: LGBTQ+ Communities (ISOSLD for LGBTQ+ Communities)

Friday, Nov. 20

• 1–4 p.m. (CT) – North Chicago, Lovell Federal Health Care Center

Saturday, Nov. 21

• 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (CT) – Joliet, Trinity Services
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m. (CT – Crystal Lake, McHenry County Mental Health Board
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Downers Grove, St. Luke Church
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Belleville, Heartlinks Grief Center
• 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Schaumburg, Kenneth Young Center
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m. – Chicago, Catholic Charities (hosted by the L.O.S.S. Program)
• 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. – Maywood, West 40

Sunday, Nov. 22

• 1–3:30 p.m. (CT) – Virtual: Illinois Statewide Virtual

There will be two additional Illinois Survivor Day events sponsored by other organizations on Sunday, Nov. 22.

• 12–2 p.m. (EST) – Virtual: Through a Jewish Lens: Hope and Healing for Suicide Loss Survivors
• 2–5 p.m. (EST) – Virtual: Día Internacional de los Supervivientes a la Muerte por Suicidio (Spanish-language event)

A listing of nationwide Survivor Day virtual events is available at afsp.org/story/survivor-day-virtual-events.

Since its inception, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day has brought together tens of thousands of people worldwide in shared remembrance and resilience. Through these gatherings, AFSP continues its mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

Nationally, nine in ten individuals who die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, with these conditions often being undiagnosed or untreated.

AFSP and its Illinois chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.

To learn more about AFSP Illinois, go to www.afsp.org/illinois

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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