AFSP Illinois Chapter

02/13/2026

Vulnerability — it's a vibe. 🩷

02/12/2026

🏫 This spring, students from high schools and colleges — along with faculty, staff, and school communities across Illinois — will join the fight against su***de through our local Out of the Darkness Campus Walks.

These Campus Walks provide a welcoming space for people to find and healing while raising awareness and funds for su***de prevention.

We're excited to announce registration is now open for our Out of the Darkness Campus Walk at Northwestern University in Evanston!

📍 Location: Northwestern University, Norris Center
🗓️ Date: Sunday, May 31
⏰ Time: 12 noon

Register or donate today: afsp.org/Northwestern

Together, we can make a difference — one step at a time. 👟

02/12/2026

We know the world feels a little upside down these days.

Now more than ever, taking care of ourselves and the people around us matters. Look out for your friends, family, and neighbors — and don't forget to share a smile or a laugh along the way.

This time each year, AFSP Illinois staff and board members come together for our annual planning meeting. These gatherings help us identify new ways to better serve our communities and provide valuable support and resources. Just as important, they remind us that the relationships we build with one another are what make this work possible — and truly meaningful.

📸 At our 2023 meeting, some of our AFSP Illinois team gave a whole new meaning to the idea of "brainstorming."

02/12/2026

When federal funding for specialized 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline services supporting LGBTQ+ youth was cut last year, the Illinois Department of Human Services stepped in to ensure LGBTQ+ young people across the state continued having access to 24/7 confidential support tailored to their needs.

Now, federal funding has been restored. Earlier this month, the President signed the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, which increased funding for the 988 Lifeline — including $33.1 million dedicated to specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth.

Securing sustainable funding for the 988 Lifeline was a top priority at last year's AFSP Illinois Advocacy Action Day, where advocates joined forces to push for stronger mental health and su***de prevention policies.

But there's more work ahead. Join us for this year's Advocacy Action Day on Thursday, March 26, as we come together to advocate for the resources and protections every Illinoisan needs to access quality mental health care and su***de prevention support.

💻 Register for Advocacy Action Day: 2026-ilaad.attendease.com
📰 Read about FY26 funding bill: afsp.org/story/afsp-applauds-passage-of-fiscal-year-2026-fy26-labor-health-and-human-services

02/11/2026

Mental health conversations are becoming more common in the Black community, but systemic barriers still limit access to care.

In this episode, host Vic Armstrong speaks with Shahem McLaurin — a Black, genderqueer, licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and influencer — about the root causes of mental health disparities, and how a strong community can solve them.

🎧 Listen: lnk.to/afsp_strong-talk_shahem-mclaurin

02/11/2026

The construction and extraction industries have the highest su***de rates in the U.S., according to the CDC. That's why it's especially important to create spaces where workers can connect and support one another.

The Construction Hike for Hope is a series of local hikes organized by AFSP to bring the construction community together in support of mental health and su***de prevention.

Last week, AFSP Illinois announced our 2026 Illinois Construction Hike for Hope, taking place at two locations on Saturday, June 13. Together, let's offer for construction workers, their families, and the communities they build every day.

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

02/11/2026

Last week, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention welcomed the signing of the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill into law.

This new law delivers meaningful funding increases for mental health and su***de prevention. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline will receive $534.6 million, and the lifesaving "Press 3" option for LGBTQ+ youth has been restored with $33.1 million in dedicated funding. It also maintains — and modestly increases — support for SAMHSA programs that advance evidence-based prevention, crisis response, and community interventions.

These wins show what's possible when people come together and speak up. We're deeply grateful to every volunteer and advocate who raised their voice — especially those who joined us for our first-ever fly-in focused solely on su***de prevention last year (pictured here), proudly sponsored by AFSP Illinois.

Together, we're saving lives. Thank you for being part of our mission. 💜

🔗 afsp.org/story/afsp-applauds-passage-of-fiscal-year-2026-fy26-labor-health-and-human-services

02/11/2026

Black mental health matters.

Su***de touches those of all ages in Black communities, with 1 in 10 youth attempting su***de and the highest rates of su***de seen in adults age 25–34.

With culturally relevant mental health resources we can fight su***de in historically marginalized communities and foster a better understanding of Black mental health.

Artwork by Lo Harris

02/10/2026

If you haven't seen it yet, our AFSP 2025 Annual Report is now available — and we're excited to share what we accomplished together this past year.

From coast to coast, our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners showed up in powerful ways to support those impacted by su***de. This report highlights the real impact of our work nationally and through our network of local chapters.

Su***de prevention comes with unique challenges, but thanks to this incredible community, we're making a difference.

Read our 2025 Annual Report: annual2025.afsp.org

02/10/2026

Whether you're a parent, guardian, teacher, or caring adult, you want to be there for the young people in your life. But knowing how to help isn't always easy.

Our program, More Than Sad: Su***de Prevention Education for Parents, will help you:

—Recognize mental health concerns
—Initiate difficult conversations with confidence
—Connect youth to support and treatment resources

📅 Tuesday, March 3
⏰ 6 p.m.
🗒️ afsp.org/Illinois

02/10/2026

02/10/2026

This , AFSP Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement Vic Armstrong reflects on his 30-plus years in the mental health field.

In his role, Vic has seen advancements in our understanding of the science of su***de prevention but also knows that stigma remains as a prevalent barrier for many.

A critical part of fighting stigma is addressing its root cause.

"Growing up as a Black man in rural North Carolina, I was socialized to believe that Black people do not die by su***de; that it was not a problem for the Black community. My narrative was that in my community, 'We are strong, we are resilient, and we survived slavery: therefore, we can survive anything.' I was also warned that Black men are often devalued when viewed as flawed mentally, physically, spiritually, or emotionally. This narrative encouraged me to avoid any association with mental health or mental health challenges."

Vic shares that to address stigma and change narratives, we must acknowledge the origin of that perception and the fear that gave life to it.

Read Vic's blog: afsp.org/story/taking-a-closer-walk-with-stigma-and-mental-health-during-black-history-month