Belleville Walk Brings Community Together For Suicide Prevention

BELLEVILLE - Community members affected by suicide will gather Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, in Belleville for the annual Out of the Darkness Metro East Walk, a fundraising event supporting suicide prevention research, education, advocacy, and survivor support.

Hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the walk will take place at The Square, 19 Public Square. Check-in, on-site activities and Honor Beads begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony and walk at 9:30 a.m.

The event brings together families, friends, students, local leaders, people who have lost someone to suicide and mental health advocates. Organizers say it offers participants a place to share their stories, reduce stigma and build community connections while emphasizing that suicide can be prevented.

Activities include a “Why I Walk” tribute banner and the foundation’s signature Honor Beads ceremony. The Metro East event is one of 14 community walks across Illinois and more than 400 nationwide this year.

Suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among Illinois residents ages 15 to 34 in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults ages 45 to 54 have the highest suicide rate, according to information provided by organizers.

Funds raised support the foundation’s work in scientific research, educational programs in schools and workplaces, advocacy for mental health legislation and support networks for people who have lost someone to suicide.

REGISTER: There is no fee to register. Individuals, teams, and donors can sign up or contribute online:

• Local Walk Registration:afsp.org/MetroEast
• Statewide Walk Directory:afsp.org/ILTogether

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call, text or chat 988 for the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

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