AFSP Illinois Chapter

When people come together, can win. 💙

AFSP was founded in 1987, when a group of families who’d lost loved ones to su***de banded together with a team of scientists seeking to learn more about how to prevent this leading cause of death.

Nearly 40 years later, community and connection remains at the forefront of our mission.

At AFSP, we're fostering a caring community of family, friends, neighbors, students, and coworkers who have each other's backs and are always looking out for one another.

Join us this ***dePreventionMonth and beyond at afsp.org/Illinois.

Our Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk is Saturday, Oct. 3, and we'd love for you to be part of the tribute slideshow featured during the virtual program and onsite at the event.
Sharing a photo or message is a meaningful way to honor a loved one lost to su***de and show support for others who have experienced loss.

💙 Raise $150+ to add a photo to the tribute slideshow.
💜 Raise $300+ to add a photo and personalized message.

The deadline to be included in the tribute slideshow is Friday, Sept. 18. Learn more at afsp.org/Chicago.

The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk is only a few weeks away! 💙

Here, you can see how your donation to AFSP makes a difference in the lives of people across the state.

Visit afsp.org/Chicago to check out some of our fundraising challenges and giveaways for this year's Walk. See you October 3 at Montrose Harbor!

Riding the L this weekend? You might spot one of our Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk signs along the route.

Huge thanks to our design agency, All For Agency, for creating this campaign and being such a wonderful partner and supporter of AFSP.

The Chicagoland Walk is just three weeks away. Sign up today at afsp.org/Chicago! 💙

tip: Reach out to your community!

Are you part of a group that meets regularly — such as a place of worship, motorcycle club, neighborhood association or social group? Share why you walk and invite fellow members to support your fundraising efforts.

Check out the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk fundraising incentives in the second graphic for a little extra motivation. We can't wait to see you on Saturday, October 3, at Montrose Harbor!

Quad Cities Out of the Darkness Walk chair Meg Alvarado recently appeared on KWQC's "Quad Cities Live" to discuss this year's event, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 11 at Camden Park in Milan. Way to go, Meg!

Register for the Quad Cities Walk today at afsp.org/QuadCities.

🎥 kwqc.com/2026/08/29/out-darkness-quad-cities-walk-set-oct-11-camden-park

Good luck this weekend to everyone taking part in our first two Out of the Darkness Community Walks of 2026: the Out of the Darkness Southern Illinois Walk and the Out of the Darkness Community Walk- West Central Illinois! 💙

Through our Out of the Darkness Community Walks, we fund research, support loss survivors, and help communities learn about su***de prevention.

This work is possible because of people like you. Thank you for showing up, sharing your stories, and supporting our mission through your participation and donations. Every step we take together brings and helps save lives.

AFSP Illinois is hosting 14 Community Walks across the state in 2026. Find the full schedule and a Walk near you at afsp.org/ILtogether.

You are valued, cherished, and needed — exactly as you are. Stay with us. 💙

Artwork by Lexi Mire

***dePreventionDay

American Foundation for Su***de Prevention volunteer advocates are heading to Washington, D.C., September 16–18 for AFSP's Capitol Hill Fly-In. There, they'll meet with members of Congress and their staff to share stories of loss and lived experience — and to urge lawmakers to back critical funding priorities that advance su***de prevention and mental health care nationwide.

Now in its second year, the Capitol Hill Fly-In is sponsored by the AFSP Illinois chapter and will bring together 17 volunteer advocates from 14 states.

Safe travels and best of luck to everyone at the Capitol next week!

For more info, visit afsp.org/story/volunteer-advocates-from-14-states-head-to-the-nations-capital-to-fight-for.

📸 Volunteer advocates at the 2025 Capitol Hill Fly-In