College and high school communities join the fight against suicide
CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2025 -- Students from high schools and colleges, along with faculty, staff and school communities across Illinois, will join the fight against suicide in local Out of the Darkness Campus Walks this spring, sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The walks provide an opportunity for people impacted by suicide to come together to connect and support one another, as well as raise awareness and funds for AFSP.
This spring, Campus Walks will be held at several colleges and high schools, including:
- Illinois Institute of Technology Campus Walk, 1:30 p.m., March 30, Keating Sports Center, 3040 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Lewis University Campus Walk, 10:00 a.m., April 26, St. Charles Borromeo, 101 Airport Road, Romeoville, IL
- Stillman Valley High Campus Walk, 12:30 p.m., May 4, Stillman Valley High School, 425 S. Pine Street, Stillman Valley, IL
- Northwestern University, 11:30 a.m., May 10, Northwestern University Lakefill, 70 Arts Cir Drive, Evanston, IL
- For information on campus walks: www.afsp.org/ILCampus
In 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for people in Illinois ages 10-34, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2023, 78 percent of communities in Illinois did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents, based on federal guidelines.
"The life-saving work we do at AFSP – research, mental health education, advocacy, and support – is funded by events like our Out of the Darkness Campus Walks," said Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP-Illinois. "However, these walks are about bringing people together to not only fight suicide, but to share their stories and bring hope to all those impacted by suicide."
AFSP works to prevent suicide through education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide. The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks raise awareness of these efforts and funds, which are split between Illinois and national efforts.
"The theme for the campus walks this year is 'Hope Walks Here,' and on walk day, you can truly feel the hope," said Diana Cazares, Special Events Manager, AFSP-Illinois. "It's so amazing to see students supporting each other and encouraging open dialogue, letting their fellow walkers know they are not alone."
Since the first campus walk was held in 2009, these walks have provided a platform to create awareness about mental health issues. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to individuals affected by suicide.
There is no fee to register for an Out of the Darkness Walk. Individuals wishing to participate can find the registration page for their local walk at www.afsp.org/ILCampus. Register today and be part of the movement coming #TogetherToFightSuicide.
To find out more about the nearest local campus walk, check www.afsp.org/ILCampus.
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.
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 Out of the Darkness Campus Walks:
The mission of The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention's Campus Walks is to allow a platform for individuals to come together in support of suicide prevention. Held in hundreds of cities across the country, these events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to suicide, and also provide an easier venue for mental health discussion across diverse backgrounds.
Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources
Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs
Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/reporting-on-suicide-prevention
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline.
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