AFSP Illinois Chapter

11/25/2025

What if your holiday gift could help save a life?

Our friend John Williams from WGN Radio has long been a champion for our mission to ***de. In this video, he shares why supporting AFSP Illinois truly makes a difference.

Thanks to John — and caring community members like you — the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk has grown into the nation's largest su***de prevention event. Your generosity keeps this Walk and others throughout Illinois going strong while providing vital support and resources to those who need them most.

Give the gift of this holiday season. Donate now at afspwalks.donordrive.com/Chicago/donate.

11/24/2025

The power of connection can save lives. That's the message AFSP Illinois board member Dr. Dimple Patel shared on Stay & Slay, a new podcast aiming to change how people — especially younger generations — talk about mental health.

Dr. Patel also provides valuable information about su***de prevention tools and resources, encouraging everyone to find ways — big or small — to join our lifesaving mission.

Team Stay & Slay ranked among the top teams at this year's Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, and we are grateful for their support and for the opportunity to highlight the important work we do every day.

🎧 Listen: youtube.com/watch?v=IAY9QCR6kpU
⭐ Donate to the 2025 Chicagoland Walk: afsp.org/Chicago

11/24/2025

Talk Saves Lives, now listed on the Best Practices Registry by the Su***de Prevention Resource Center, is AFSP's flagship program introducing su***de prevention education to communities.

Join us on Monday, December 1, at 11 a.m. CT, for a virtual Talk Saves Lives session focused on supporting older adults during the holidays.

Remember: This time of year, simple acts — like having a caring conversation, discovering new hobbies together, or encouraging community connection — can make a real difference. ❤️

Register now at afspilprograms.org or afsp.org/Illinois.

11/24/2025

We're deeply grateful to everyone who participated in with AFSP Illinois this weekend. 💙

We hope you found comfort and healing as you navigate the su***de loss in your life. Remember, you are never alone and our community stands with you through your grief.

You can access support and resources year-round at afsp.org/loss.

11/24/2025

Gloria's husband, Jimmy, unexpectedly took his life one night in September 2013.

"The death of a loved one is always tragic but su***de complicates that tragedy with far too many unanswered questions, and so much confusion. I was in severe shock, and was left with feelings of blame, shame and guilt, as well."

Gloria found hope in healing in her local AFSP chapter — from leading a team at her local Community Walk to serving as a board member of AFSP's North Florida chapter. The connections Gloria made through AFSP have been instrumental in her healing and grief journey.

Read Gloria's story:

These were my goals. But I couldn’t help asking myself: “How can I help others when I couldn’t help the person who mattered most to me?”

11/22/2025

International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day is a time for those who've lost a loved one to su***de to share their experiences and find support in community.

If you're a survivor of su***de loss, know that our AFSP Illinois Chapter is here for you every step of the way. We're building a caring space where everyone can experience and healing.

You don't have to face this journey alone. Together, we can make a difference and move toward a ***de. 💙 💜

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit afsp.org/Illinois.

11/22/2025

Today is International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day, also known as . 💙

For survivors of su***de loss, there is a unique and powerful comfort that may be gained by being in the presence of others who have experienced this complex type of loss. 🫂✨

Today, in-person events are taking place around the world, bringing su***de loss survivors together to gain understanding and support each other's healing journeys. Some people attend every year as a way of honoring their loved one, checking in with themselves, and healthily recognizing the way their feelings evolve over time.

Join AFSP Illinois today for . Find an event near you at afsp.org/survivorday.

And don't miss our virtual statewide event tomorrow on Zoom — just visit chicago-illinois3.isosld.afsp.org to connect with others across the state of Illinois.

11/21/2025

AFSP Illinois is hosting two free virtual programs this December to help support our communities.

💙 "Talk Saves Lives: Seniors and the Holidays" (Dec. 1, 11 a.m. CT) focuses on su***de prevention for older adults during the holidays, offering simple ways to stay connected and to show you care.

💜 "Finding Hope: Guidance for Supporting Those at Risk" (Dec. 8, 11 a.m. CT) provides education and tools for anyone supporting someone through a mental health crisis.

To register for this free programming, visit afspilprograms.org or afsp.org/Illinois.

11/21/2025

Today is Día de Esperanza 💙

Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) takes place one day before , and offers support specifically for Hispanic and Latinx communities that have been affected by su***de loss.

We'll discuss the specific challenges Hispanic and Latinx communities face when it comes to addressing mental health, such as cultural stigma surrounding su***de, and strategies for overcoming them.

Join us this Día de Esperanza.

Register: https://www.facebook.com/events/1142115084703182
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Hoy es el Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope)

El Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope) se lleva a cabo un día antes del Día del Sobreviviente, y ofrece apoyo específicamente para las comunidades hispanas y latinas que se han visto afectadas por pérdida por suicidio.

Analizaremos los desafíos específicos a los que se enfrentan las comunidades hispanas y latinas cuando se trata de abordar la salud mental, como el estigma cultural en torno al suicidio y las estrategias para superarlo.

Acompáñanos en este Día de Esperanza (Day of Hope).

Regístrate: https://www.facebook.com/events/1142115084703182

11/21/2025

👋 Happy World Hello Day!

We're the AFSP Illinois Chapter, and if we haven't met yet — hi, we're so glad you're here! Let us introduce ourselves.

AFSP's mission is dedicated to saving lives and bringing to those affected by su***de, including those who have experienced a loss. We do this through:

⭐ Funding scientific research
⭐ Educating the public about mental health and su***de prevention
⭐ Advocating for policies that save lives
⭐ Supporting survivors of su***de loss and those at risk

A message for today: Sometimes a simple "hello" means more than you realize. If someone has been on your mind, reach out. Check in. Let them know they're not alone.

Our AFSP Illinois team is fortunate to have each other to lean on, and in this season of , we're grateful for all of you as well! 💙

Discover more about AFSP and how you can make a difference: afsp.org/Illinois

11/21/2025

We know that supporting transgender people is su***de prevention.

On and every day, AFSP remembers the lives of transgender people we've lost and reaffirms our commitment to supporting the mental health, well-being, and safety of transgender individuals.

Together, we must amplify transgender su***de prevention research, advocate for gender affirming care, and support the transgender community.

For resources, visit afsp.org/lgbtq.

11/20/2025

Grief looks different for everyone but together, we can heal and find support. 💙

Our program, Healing Conversations, gives su***de loss survivors the opportunity to talk with volunteers. These AFSP volunteers, who are themselves survivors of su***de loss, offer understanding and guidance following a su***de death.

Learn more: afsp.org/healingconversations