AFSP Illinois Chapter

AFSP Illinois Executive Director Angela Cummings recently joined ABC 7 Chicago to talk about our mission, share encouraging news about declining su***de rates, and highlight the resources available to anyone who may need support.

Angela also spoke about next weekend's Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, which is returning to Chicago for the first time since 2009.

Watch the video below to learn more about the Overnight Walk and how AFSP is working every day to save lives and bring to those affected by su***de.

31st Out of Darkness Overnight Walk in Chicago for su***de prevention Chicago is joining a powerful movement to shine light on a hidden struggle.

to our 2016 Out of the Darkness Rockford Walk!

Year after year, our friends in Rockford have played an essential role in carrying our mission forward. We're grateful for their continued support and for helping raise awareness about su***de prevention throughout the community.

Join us on Saturday, October 10, for the 2026 Rockford Walk: afsp.org/Rockford 💙

🎸 Rock out this summer with AFSP Illinois!

Register for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk and raise $40 by Monday, June 8, and you'll be entered to win an incredible Summer Concert Pack courtesy of our media partner, Q101 Chicago.

The Summer Concert Pack includes a pair of tickets to four major concerts in the Chicago area:

— June 11: Jimmy Eat World, Sunny Day Real Estate
— July 10: Muse, Bloc Party, Temper Trap
— July 30: Avenged Sevenfold, Good Charlotte
— August 7: Young the Giant, Cold War Kids

Already registered and have raised $40? You're automatically entered to win.

Don't miss your chance to support a great cause and enjoy an unforgettable summer of live music. Register now at afsp.org/Chicago! 🎶

"If even one young person learns to ask for help before despair takes over, then this bill will have done its job."

AFSP Illinois board member Tammy Bush-Hamilton has been a driving force behind Senate Bill 2771, sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt and named Tammurra's Act in honor of Tammy's daughter.

The legislation would direct the Illinois State Board of Education to make age‑appropriate su***de prevention curriculum available to school districts — and require 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline information to be prominently displayed in public locations like libraries, universities and hospitals.

This week, SB 2771 passed both the Illinois Senate and House and is now headed to Governor JB Pritzker's desk. If signed into law, it would expand awareness of — and access to — lifesaving su***de prevention resources across Illinois.

Learn more:

Bill requiring 988 info in public buildings, su***de prevention curriculum in schools heads to Pritzker's desk A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could improve access to su***de prevention services.

inspiration: "I walk because I want to show people that we are strong together." 🦾

Be part of the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3 at Montrose Harbor. Help us bring to our community. 💙

Registration and info: afsp.org/Chicago

Amid tariffs, climate change, and economic uncertainty, Illinois farmers and their families can find mental health support from the state’s land-grant institution.

"When we talk to farmers, we hear a lot about time pressures, waiting on the weather, hoping for weather, needing a certain type of weather, feeling as though they have a lot to get done in a relatively short amount of time," said University of Illinois Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Josie Rudolphi. "And then it's compounded by things like the availability of labor. There's a lot happening in ag labor right now. There's a lot happening globally that's having impacts on the way farmers are able to purchase and plant their crops."

This uncertainty is causing tremendous stress and anxiety for farmers, said Rudolphi, and Illinois Extension is offering resources to help.

"We know that farmers also experience unique barriers to accessing mental health care. And so, with funding and support from USDA, we've been able to create a number of initiatives to implement across Illinois in hopes of increasing access to various mental health resources and services."

Learn more:

Illinois Extension offering mental health resources for farmers and their families Amid tariffs, climate change, and economic uncertainty, Illinois farmers and their families can find mental health support from the state’s land-grant institution.

You belong here. 💙 We you sign up to at one of our Out of the Darkness Illinois Community Walks in 2026 — everyone's welcome!

Learn more about our Out of the Darkness Walks and how to get involved with AFSP at afsp.org/Illinois.

📸 Irreverent Warriors

Looking back at last year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where our Race AFSP Team went the distance. Together, they raised over $900,000 in support of our mission to save lives and bring to those affected by su***de. They also represented AFSP with pride and helped start important conversations about mental health in their communities.

This year's Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 11. For more information about Race AFSP, visit RaceAFSP.org.

During National Safety Month, we're reminded that safety in construction goes beyond hard hats and harnesses. It also means looking out for one another’s mental health. This month, take a moment to check in with yourself and your crew — a simple conversation can make all the difference.

At AFSP Illinois, we're working to make mental health check-ins as routine as safety talks. Our Construction Hike for Hope brings crews, families, and communities together to raise awareness and take action for mental health.

Event details:

📍 Hidden Lake Forest Preserve (Downers Grove) & Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton)
📅 Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m.
💻 afsp.org/ILConstruction

At this year's AFSP Chapter Leadership Conference, AFSP Illinois hosted the breakout session, Pride Pathways: Engaging LGBTQ+ Communities, alongside AFSP staff and our friends at American Foundation for Su***de Prevention- Indiana Chapter.

The session explored meaningful ways AFSP chapters can connect with and support LGBTQ+ communities — from Talk Saves Lives: LGBTQ+ to the new Pride Pathways program and a wide range of other tools and resources.

Throughout Pride Month, we'll be spotlighting more programs and partnerships that bring to LGBTQ+ communities across the state.

For more info on Pride Pathways, visit afsp.org/PridePathways. 🌈