On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, the UICDR/UIC Psychiatry Team joined together on a sunny, warm day at Montrose Harbor for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk. The Out of the Darkness Walks, held in hundreds of cities across the nation each year, serve as a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. We walked a 3-mile lakefront loop along with 6,000(!!) walk participants to unite as a community and culture that is smarter about mental health, and to support suicide prevention efforts. The Walks embody the essential factors for suicide prevention: social connection, awareness of mental health, and reducing stigma.
The UICDR both sponsored and participated in the Chicagoland Walk. A huge thanks to the UICDR team for their fundraising efforts to support suicide prevention research – once again recognized as a Top Team, we raised nearly $4,000 to fund suicide prevention education, research, advocacy, and support.