In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Illinois Chapter held its *Out of Darkness Walk* at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) on Saturday, September 21. Despite rainy weather, the event drew 228 participants across 27 teams, all coming together to honor the lives lost to suicide and raise awareness about prevention.
Suicide remains a significant issue in the U.S., ranking as the 11th leading cause of death, according to the AFSP. Yet, there is hope—94% of adults believe suicide can be prevented. AFSP works to support those affected by suicide, providing a community empowered by research, education, and advocacy. Their mission is to fight this devastating cause of death through action.
Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP Illinois, opened the event by sharing her personal connection to the cause, stating, “This is not just my job, it’s my passion that I feel very fortunate to do every day.” Cummings also highlighted the organization’s achievements, noting that AFSP Illinois provided 120 educational programs, reaching nearly 287,000 people. This includes 10 presentations of *It’s Real*, which focuses on mental health in college students, and five presentations on suicide prevention in Black communities.
The event also showcased AFSP’s commitment to providing free resources and education to external organizations. These programs are made possible by donations from the public. At the registration area, attendees could purchase event memorabilia, such as past t-shirts, fidget spinners, and pennants, with all proceeds going towards suicide prevention efforts. Registered teams and individuals also had the option to fundraise, raising more than $23,000 during this event alone.
In addition to the merchandise, participants could pick up color-coded honor beads, each representing a different connection to suicide. Red beads symbolized the loss of a partner, green signified a personal struggle or suicide attempt, and rainbow beads honored the LGBTQIA+ community. Other colors represented losses of parents, siblings, and first responders. These beads helped participants recognize the diversity of experiences and reminded them they are not alone in their grief or advocacy.
Initially planned for the Student Union Patio, the event was moved indoors to the center ballroom due to the rain. UIS quickly adapted, preparing the space for participants and speakers. Despite the weather, some participants chose to wait for the rain to subside, while others braved the elements to complete the walk outside.
Cummings concluded her remarks by reflecting on how conversations around mental health and suicide prevention have evolved during her 10 years with AFSP. “Everyone has a role in suicide prevention,” she emphasized, encouraging attendees to be vigilant, start conversations and continue educating themselves.
The overarching goal of the walk was to “bring suicide prevention out of the darkness” and create spaces for open, stigma-free discussions on the topic.
