Hope Walks Here: Illinois Campuses Unite Against Youth Suicide

CHICAGO, IL – February 19, 2026 – This spring, the fight against suicide is taking a visible and powerful step forward on two Illinois university campuses. Students, faculty, and community members will gather for the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Campus Walks, a movement designed to bring hope to those affected by suicide and raise funds for critical prevention efforts. Organized by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), these events represent a beacon of solidarity in the face of a growing public health crisis.

The walks are scheduled for April 25 at Lewis University in Romeoville and May 31 at Northwestern University in Evanston. They provide a space for connection, remembrance, and a collective call to action, reminding everyone that they are not alone.

A Crisis on Campus and a Community Response

The urgency of these walks is underscored by sobering statistics. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-34. In Illinois, the numbers paint a similarly grim picture, with suicide ranking as the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-34. Between 2020 and 2022, the state saw a 13.5% increase in suicide deaths, a stark reminder that behind the data are families, friends, and communities left grappling with immense loss.

The 2023 National Survey of Drug Use and Health reported that 12.8 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide. For young people, the pressures of academic life, social challenges, and underlying mental health conditions can create a perfect storm. These campus walks directly address this reality by creating a supportive, stigma-free environment where conversations about mental health are not just accepted, but encouraged.

"The theme for our campus walks is 'Hope Walks Here,' and on walk day, you can truly feel the hope," said Diana Cazares, fundraising manager for AFSP Illinois. "It's so amazing to see students supporting each other and encouraging open dialogue, letting their fellow students who are walking know they are not alone."

This sentiment is bolstered by a powerful belief: a survey found that 91% of adults in the U.S. think suicide can be prevented. The OOTD walks are a physical manifestation of this belief, transforming hope into a tangible, collective action.

Beyond the Walk: Bolstering Mental Health Infrastructure

The walks do not happen in a vacuum. They augment and bring public visibility to the robust mental health services already in place at the host universities. Both Lewis University and Northwestern University have invested significantly in supporting their students' well-being.

At Lewis University, the Student Wellness Center provides a range of services, including individual and group counseling, at no charge to students. Recognizing the need for around-the-clock support, the university also partners with TimelyCare, a telehealth service offering 24/7 access to medical and mental health professionals. This multi-layered approach aims to meet students where they are, providing accessible and varied avenues for help.

Similarly, Northwestern University's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) serves as a comprehensive mental health hub. Beyond individual and group therapy, CAPS offers 24/7 crisis intervention, psychiatric services, and educational workshops. Northwestern is also part of the JED Campus program, a national initiative dedicated to strengthening suicide prevention and mental health strategies on college campuses. By providing programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Training, the university empowers its entire community to recognize warning signs and guide peers toward help.

The Out of the Darkness walks serve as a bridge between these institutional resources and the broader student body, fostering a culture where seeking help is normalized and community support is abundant.

Fueling a National Mission Through Local Action

Participation in the campus walks extends far beyond a single day's event. The funds raised are vital to AFSP's multifaceted mission of saving lives through research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide. While the walks are local, their impact is national.

"The life-saving work we do at AFSP, from research and education to advocacy and support, is made possible through events like our Out of the Darkness Campus Walks," explained Angela Cummings, executive director of AFSP Illinois. "These walks bring people together to raise awareness, share their stories, and remind one another that hope is real. When students and campus communities show up for each other, it sends a powerful message that no one has to face their struggles alone."

AFSP's educational programs, such as "Talk Saves Lives™," have reached over 240,000 people, equipping them with the knowledge to identify risk factors and have open conversations about mental health. Funds also support groundbreaking research and advocacy for policies that improve access to mental healthcare, such as the implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Importantly, funds raised in Illinois stay within the state, directly benefiting local communities with prevention training and resources.

From Personal Loss to Collective Hope

For many participants, the walks are deeply personal. They are a chance to honor loved ones lost to suicide, to walk alongside fellow survivors of suicide loss, and to find strength in a community that understands. The events are filled with stories of resilience, transforming personal grief into a powerful force for public good.

Across Illinois, volunteers—many of whom have been personally touched by suicide—are the backbone of the movement. One volunteer, who helped establish a walk in her community after losing her son, shared that the events promote the open conversations her family wished had been more common. Another found that volunteering with AFSP provided a place to channel her energy after a loss, finding a community united by hope. These personal motivations are the driving force behind the grassroots success of the Out of the Darkness walks.

This spring, the communities of Lewis University and Northwestern University will become part of this nationwide movement. There is no fee to register, and individuals can get involved by walking, fundraising, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering. To register for a local walk, visit www.afsp.org/ILCampus.

Event Details:
* Lewis University Campus Walk: April 25, 9:00 a.m., Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Romeoville, IL
* Northwestern University Campus Walk: May 31, 12:00 p.m., Norris Center at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call, text, or chat 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Help is available, and hope is real.