The Chicago Department of Public Health is calling on residents to lace up for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, set for Saturday, October 3 at Montrose Harbor. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., with the walk itself kicking off at 10:30 a.m. at 601 W. Montrose Ave., and registration is free.
The announcement, posted by CDPH | Chicago Department of Public Health
on X, frames the walk as part of a broader effort to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention across the city. Organizers describe the Chicagoland Walk as a suicide prevention event. This year's event carries a fundraising goal of $1 million, with proceeds supporting suicide prevention research, advocacy, and educational programs across Illinois, according to the seed announcement.
The Happiness Project is serving as presenting sponsor of the 2026 walk and has already contributed $50,000 to AFSP Illinois, with the organization stating that its partnership with AFSP supports suicide prevention research, education, and mental health initiatives. Anyone with questions about the event can reach AFSP contact Diana Cazares at 312-802-9714 or by emailing [email protected].
Why Local Health Officials Say the Timing Matters
According to the announcement, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death in Illinois for people ages 15 to 34, and the fourth leading cause for those ages 35 to 54. Those figures sit alongside an increase in Illinois suicide deaths of 7 percent from 2021 to 2022, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Closer to home, local health agencies continue targeting outreach in the region.
Demand for crisis support has also drawn attention statewide. Nationally, suicide prevention remains an area of focus.
Honor Beads and How to Take Part
A signature tradition of the Out of the Darkness walks is the wearing of color-coded honor beads, which let participants signal a personal connection to suicide loss without having to explain it aloud. White beads represent the loss of a child, red a partner, gold a parent, green personal struggle, and blue general support, according to AFSP's own event materials. Every participant at the Chicagoland Walk receives complimentary honor beads at check-in.
Fundraising incentives are built into this year's walk as well. Individuals who raise at least $150 by October 3 receive the official walk t-shirt and a limited-edition wristband, while those who raise $500 or more by walk day qualify as blue and red ribbon walkers.
Those in crisis or supporting someone in crisis can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
A City Building Out Its Mental Health Response
The walk arrives as CDPH pursues other efforts to widen mental health access beyond clinical settings. In April, the department announced a $16.2 million investment to launch a street psychiatry pilot and form the Healthy Chicago Mental Health Collective, sending care teams into schools, shelters, and transit hubs, as Hoodline reported at the time. CDPH also has a commissioner.
Research has pointed to specific windows where intervention may be possible before a crisis escalates.
The walk also draws attention to the cause. This year's walk brings people together at Montrose Harbor each fall, with organizers framing the event as both a fundraiser and a public show of solidarity for those affected by suicide loss.
