More than 6,000 people are expected to participate in the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on September 27, 2025. The event is recognized as the largest suicide prevention walk in the United States and is organized by the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The three-mile walk will begin at 9:00 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and the walk starting at 11:00 a.m.
Participants can register individually or as part of a team. AFSP-Illinois has set a fundraising goal of $1 million this year, which will be used to support research, education, advocacy efforts, and services for those affected by suicide. Donations will be accepted through December 31, 2025.
The Out of the Darkness Walks have been held nationwide since 2004. These events aim to encourage open conversations about mental health and provide support for those impacted by suicide. Features at this year’s Chicagoland Walk include a mental health services tent, educational outreach activities, a Why We Walk Wall honoring those lost to suicide, and honor beads that represent participants’ personal connections to the cause.
According to national statistics from 2023, nearly 49,316 Americans died by suicide and there were approximately 1.5 million attempts across the country. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for all age groups; it was reported as the second leading cause among individuals aged 10-34 and fourth among those aged 35-44 in the United States in that year. In Illinois specifically, it ranks third among ages 15-34 and fourth among ages 35-54.
“No one should grieve alone. The AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk brings together a community of loss survivors to provide a deeper connection with others who suffer this grief journey,” said , an OOTD Walk participant and Team Captain for the team. “Participation in the event these last four years has brought me a tremendous amount of hope, in that together we can fight the disease of mental illness. It takes a village.”
Nationally, research indicates that nine out of ten people who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition at their time of death—many undiagnosed or untreated. Experts note that while there is no single cause for suicide, risk increases when multiple health factors combine with life stressors leading to feelings such as hopelessness or despair.
This year’s event will be emceed by , anchor for NBC 5 Chicago—a media partner along with Telemundo, Audacy, WGN Radio 720, iHeartMedia Rock 95.5 and CHICAGO magazine. Top sponsors include Crowe, ComPsych, Compass Health Center and United Airlines.
AFSP Illinois continues its mission through volunteer-driven initiatives focused on research-based self-care techniques and promoting professional support resources statewide.