Out of the Darkness Walk promotes suicide prevention awareness

The Out of the Darkness Walk, a suicide prevention initiative organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, was held in multiple locations, including Duluth, Minnesota, and Chicago, Illinois.

In Duluth, participants gathered at Brighton Beach to raise awareness and funds for mental health research and community programs. The event aimed to raise $10,000, with organizers noting that funds are allocated back to local Minnesota programs to normalize mental health discussions and provide community training. More than 80 participants took part in the walk to honor loved ones lost to suicide.

In Chicago, thousands gathered at Montrose Harbor for the Chicagoland walk. Participants used “honor beads” to commemorate those they have lost, with specific colors representing different relationships, such as white for a child, red for a spouse, gold for a parent, and purple for a friend.