On September 27, people from across the region will come together for largest suicide prevention event in the country: the Out of the Darkness (OOTD) Chicagoland Walk. This annual event helps prevent suicide as well as bring hope to those affected by suicide. Sponsored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the three-mile walk starts at Montrose Harbor and runs from 9a.m., to 1p.m., on September 27, 2025. The Chicagoland Walk is one of hundreds held in cities throughout the country. The event features a mental health services tent, education outreach, a powerful Why We Walk Wall that honors those lost to suicide, and honor beads that signify how suicide has touched each participant. In Illinois, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-34 and 4th leading cause for ages 35-54.  People can learn the warning signs at afsp.org/signs. Those interested in signing up, visit www.afsp.org/Illinois or www.chicagowalk.org.