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Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry — and it's a crisis that often goes unnoticed. Long hours, physical strain, job insecurity, and the stigma around mental health all take a toll. More lives are lost to suicide each year than to jobsite accidents.

The Illinois Construction Hike for Hope is our chance to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention, and start building a culture where mental health gets the attention it deserves.

Join us on June 13 in Grafton or Downers Grove. Register here: afsp.org/ILconstruction

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

Karen walks for her son, Troy Vaden.

Losing Troy had a large impact on Karen and her family. Troy's sister, Victoria, and Karen walked in their first #OvernightWalk one year after Troy's death.

"We weren't sure what to expect, but the experience was incredibly moving and eye-opening. As we walked through the night together, we realized something powerful — we were not alone in our grief."

This year, Karen will be walking through the night for the fourth time in honor of Troy.

AFSP's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk returns to Chicago on June 13, and we're grateful for the chance to walk alongside friends and fellow mental health advocates from across the country. We're also excited to welcome everyone back for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk on October 3.

Every step we take together can save lives and help bring us closer to a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

— Karen's story: afsp.org/story/walking-through-the-night-together-for-troy
— Out of the Darkness Overnight info: theovernight.org
— Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk info: afsp.org/Chicago

You have the power to save a life — and it starts with one step. Become an Illinois HopeRaiser!

Launch your own DIY fundraiser with AFSP today and join the fight to prevent suicide. Raise $1,000 in donations, and we'll send you a free duffel bag as a gift of thanks.

💙 Start your fundraiser: afsp.org/DIY

It's okay to feel stress. 💙

Find a moment this weekend — even if it's just a minute — to take a break and check in with yourself.

A recent study from Construction Dive found that two-thirds of construction workers reported experiencing anxiety or depression in the past year — highlighting the urgent need for stronger mental health support across the industry.

AFSP's Construction Hike for Hope brings the construction community together to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention.

AFSP Illinois will host the 2026 Illinois Construction Hike for Hope at two locations on Saturday, June 13. Join us!

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

🚑 During National EMS Week, we're honoring the emergency personnel who care for communities across Illinois — including those who give their time and support at our Out of the Darkness Community Walks. Your dedication helps make each event safe and welcoming for everyone who attends.

🚶‍♂️Want to #WalkWithUs? Find an Out of the Darkness Community Walk near you and sign up as a participant, team captain, or volunteer: afsp.org/ILtogether

📸 Pictured: The Roxana Fire Department at our 2025 Out of the Darkness Madison County Walk.

"I walk because my life has been touched by suicide too many times. It is always a comfort to know there are others who have had similar experiences. We can learn to heal together."

Join our community on Saturday, Oct. 3, for the 2026 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk and help bring #HOPE to people affected by suicide. Every person who shows up helps someone feel supported and reminds them they are not alone.

If you'd like to make an ongoing impact, consider becoming a monthly donor. Your continued generosity helps keep lifesaving programs and resources available for individuals and families in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois.

Learn more at afsp.org/Chicago.

#WalkWednesday

Your story isn't over. 💜

These purple pouches, seen at last year's Out of the Darkness Quad Cities Illinois Walk, say it all in just a few words.

Join us at one of our 2026 Out of the Darkness Community Walks and help us save lives and bring #HOPE to those affected by suicide. Learn more and register at afsp.org/ILtogether.

During Rail Safety Week in September 2025, AFSP Illinois Executive Director Angela Cummings joined @metrarail officers and the Elmwood Park Police to connect with area riders and promote rail safety awareness.

This National EMS Week, we're reminded that safety is a shared responsibility. We're proud to work alongside such dedicated partners who help keep communities strong all across the state of Illinois. 🚆

Safety is a key component of daily life on construction jobsites around the country. Teams run through safety checklists starting their shift:

✅ Hard hat
✅ Safety vest
❓Mental health

Construction workers experience the second highest rate of suicide over any other industry. But mental health rarely makes it onto the safety meeting agenda.

Hard Hat Courage is working to change that one hard hat at a time. Visit our Hard Hat Courage resources page to learn more about bringing tools to your workforce.

— View Hard Hat Courage resources: hardhatcourage.com/resources
— Register for Illinois Construction Hike for Hope: afsp.org/ILconstruction

You never know who you'll meet at an AFSP Illinois volunteer event. You might even find yourself in the presence of royalty.

Join us at a volunteer event in Carbondale (June 6) or Springfield (June 27) and connect with others who are passionate about suicide prevention and advocating for mental health in their communities.

— Register for volunteer events: afsp.org/Illinois
— Volunteer with AFSP: afsp.org/volunteer-with-afsp

cc @msmidwestpurpose 👑

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to come together and break the stigma around mental health.

At AFSP Illinois, we connect communities across the state with programs and resources that educate people and inspire #HOPE and healing. This includes our flagship program, Talk Saves Lives; International Survivor of Suicide Loss Day events; and educational resources for veterans, construction professionals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others in communities at higher risk. And it's all made possible through the funds raised at our annual Out of the Darkness Community Walks.

No one should face life's toughest moments alone. When we show up for each other, we create stronger, healthier communities and take another step toward a #WorldWithoutSuicide.

Ready to join us? Register for the 2026 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk: afsp.org/Chicago

📸 2025 Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk