Illinois 2026 Out of the Darkness Walks to Raise Mental Health Awareness

The Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has released the schedule for its 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, a statewide initiative dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The annual campaign, recognized as the largest of its kind in Illinois, will be held in 14 communities across the state between September and October 2026.

AFSP Illinois is encouraging individuals, businesses, community organizations, and advocates to participate in this year's campaign with the goal of raising more than $1 million to support suicide prevention programs and mental health initiatives. Suicide remains a significant public health concern in Illinois, ranking as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 and the fourth leading cause of death for adults aged 35 to 54.

Part of a national network of more than 400 Out of the Darkness Walks, these community events unite survivors, families, friends, and supporters to raise awareness, generate critical funding, and reinforce the message that suicide is preventable and that individuals facing mental health challenges are not alone.

"Many participants experience the AFSP support community for the first time through these walks," said Philip Martinez, Board Chair of the AFSP Illinois Chapter. "Coming together allows us to remember those we've lost, encourage those who are struggling, and provide essential funding for programs that save lives in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Illinois."

Ways to Participate
Participation in any Out of the Darkness Community Walk is free of charge. Supporters can contribute in several ways:

Registration for Illinois events is available through the AFSP Illinois Community Walks webpage, while supporters outside the state can locate their nearest walk using the interactive map on the national AFSP website.

"Every registration, team, and donation helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and strengthens our mission of suicide prevention," said Angela Cummings, Executive Director of AFSP Illinois. "Each walk reminds us that hope grows when communities come together and support one another."

2026 Illinois Out of the Darkness Community Walk Schedule
Residents across Illinois will have opportunities to participate in the following events:

Advancing Suicide Prevention
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans aged 10 to 34, impacting approximately one in five U.S. families. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 12.8 million adults aged 18 and older experienced suicidal thoughts, while approximately 1.5 million adults (0.6%) reported attempting suicide during the previous year. Despite these alarming figures, public awareness continues to grow, with 91% of U.S. adults believing that suicide can be prevented.

Through the 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks, AFSP Illinois hopes to expand awareness, strengthen local support networks, and generate the resources needed to advance research, education, advocacy, and programs that help save lives across the state.