AFSP Illinois Chapter

02/27/2026

Research is fundamental to our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. 💙

Because of research, we have a deeper understanding of su***de warning signs, protective factors, and risk factors. With this knowledge, we are better equipped to recognize when someone is struggling and to take informed action that can help save lives.

Read the full Annual Report: annual2025.afsp.org

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02/27/2026

AFSP's 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala will take place May 7, 2026, in New York City.

This special evening brings together champions of su***de prevention, shares powerful personal stories, and raises critical funds to support AFSP's research, education, advocacy, and support programs.

2026 honorees include U.S. figure skater and 2014 Olympic bronze medalist Gracie Gold, along with Carson Daly, co-host of NBC's TODAY and The Voice.

Read more:

Distinguished media and sports figures will be honored for their work in advancing su***de prevention efforts at the 37th Annual Lifesavers Gala on May 7, 2026 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, hosted by the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention.

02/27/2026

Grief is a complex emotion, and for many people, it can often be accompanied by feelings like shame or guilt.

But grief can also co-exist with positive emotions like joy — and that's okay. Everyone grieves differently, and grief can look different from moment to moment. It can also be a motivator to take action.

In today's episode of Strong Talk, passionate mental health advocate April Simpkins opens up to AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Vic Armstrong about losing her daughter, former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, to su***de.

🎧 Listen: lnk.to/afsp_strong-talk_april-simpkins

02/26/2026

Tell your classmates mental health matters and attend an Campus Walk. 💙🧠✨

These Campus Walks are our signature student fundraising series, designed to engage youth and young adults in the fight to prevent su***de, the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24.

With your efforts, you are helping make su***de prevention and mental health awareness a national priority.

Register for one of our two Illinois Campus Walks in 2026 — Lewis University (Apr. 25) and Northwestern University (May 31) — at afsp.org/campuswalks.

02/26/2026

Metra demonstrates its commitment to rider experience and community safety through its Operation Lifesaver program, with more than 40 safety blitzes planned this year to help everyone stay safe around trains and tracks. 🚆

During last year's , AFSP Illinois partnered with Metra to share important safety reminders with riders — and we're grateful to continue supporting these lifesaving efforts in 2026 and beyond. 💙

Metra announced today that it will conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 41 train stations across the six-county region in 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks. https://www.metra.com/newsroom/metra-schedules-41-safety-blitzes-in-2026

02/26/2026

When you become an AFSP volunteer advocate, you send the message that your voice matters, and that su***de prevention is an essential part of state and federal policy. 📣

This January through May is your opportunity to join thousands of volunteer advocates at state capitals across the country for Advocacy Action Days.

At these special events, dedicated advocates meet with state officials to raise awareness about key policies and legislation that can help prevent su***de. 💙

Our Illinois Advocacy Action Day is coming up next month — join us!

📍 Location: Illinois State Library, Springfield
⏰ Date: Thursday, March 26
💻 Info and registration: 2026-ilaad.attendease.com

02/26/2026

Step back for a moment, breathe deeply, and let the noise fall away. Quiet time can remind us that rest is part of the healing process.

02/25/2026

Children and youth express mental health challenges differently from adults — often in unique ways that aren't always obvious. As a caring adult, you play a key role in identifying these signs early and helping kids get the support they need.

Learn more during a youth mental health first aid presentation this Saturday in Lemont, hosted by the Lemont Public Library District and sponsored by the Lemont Junior Woman's Club.

Join presenters from the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention for a course in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This program is designed to teach parents, teachers, coaches, or anyone that works with children how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health concerns or illness and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aid provides participants with the skills and confidence to provide initial support to those experiencing a crisis.

This 18+ program is sponsored by the Lemont Junior Woman's Club. A $10 cash donation is suggested and will be collected at the door. Lunch will be provided for all attendees. A virtual pre-training is also required and will be sent to you upon registration.

Register today and join us in supporting the mental health of our youth.
https://lemontlibrary.libnet.info/event/15683122

02/25/2026

Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald recently shared with People magazine her experience of a su***de attempt and the mental health challenges she faced while studying at Juilliard.

Her story reminds us that anyone can face these struggles — and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength and courage.

Broadway star Audra McDonald shared that the “bravest thing” she ever did was reach out for help after attempting to end her life when she was 20.

02/25/2026

According to a new University of Michigan study:

— LGBTQ+ young adults experience two to five times higher risk of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and su***de attempts compared to their peers.
— Transgender and nonbinary young adults face the most severe risk. Nearly 25% reported a su***de attempt in the past year, and they are five to six times more likely to experience self-harm and su***de attempts.

Every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. AFSP provides mental health resources created for and with the LGBTQ+ community — because no one should have to face their struggles alone.

Learn more: afsp.org/lgbtq 🌈

Su***de is driven not by personal failings, but by stigma, exclusion and policy choices, according to a new University of Michigan study.

02/25/2026

📅 Save the date! The Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk returns to Montrose Harbor on Saturday, October 3.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks are AFSP's signature fundraising events, bringing people together across the country to raise awareness and funds for su***de prevention. Last year, Chicagoland led the entire nation, raising nearly $1 million to support lifesaving education, research, and resources for individuals and families affected by su***de.

In other great news, Happiness Project is joining us as our 2026 Presenting Sponsor! We're excited to share more about this special partnership in the weeks ahead.

Are you ready to ? Register now at afsp.org/Chicago. 💙

02/25/2026

Have you been watching ? 🏒

Millions of fans can't get enough of 2026's hottest (and most NSFW) TV show, which follows a pair of all-star professional hockey players — fierce competitors who become secret lovers.

But there's more to the story than rivalry and romance.

Brett Wean, senior director of writing and entertainment outreach for the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention, shares insight on how the show portrays su***de loss and what responsible storytelling can look like when popular media takes on such a sensitive topic.

In the beloved series Heated Rivalry, Ilya opens up to Shane about the loss of his mother to su***de. The conversation is emotional, thoughtful, and lets viewers know it’s okay to talk about su***de and mental health. This is what checking in on a partner, friend, family member, or loved one shoul...