The annual Out of the Darkness Metro East Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at The Square in Belleville.
The walk is hosted by the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Organizers say the event brings together friends, families and supporters to raise funds and send a message that suicide can be prevented.
Check-in, on-site activities and Honor Beads begin at 8:30 a.m. The opening ceremony and walk start at 9:30 a.m. The event will be held at 19 Public Square, Belleville.
The walk is part of a statewide network of 14 Illinois community walks and more than 400 walks nationwide this year. Organizers say features include a "Why I Walk" tribute banner and the AFSP Honor Beads ceremony.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide ranked in 2024 as the third leading cause of death among Illinois residents ages 15 through 34. Adults ages 45 to 54 have the highest rate of suicide.
There is no fee to register. Individuals, teams and donors can sign up or contribute online at afsp.org/MetroEast.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, you can call, text or chat 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.