SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says more than three times as many people died by suicide in 2021 than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. To bring awareness to prevention, the AFSP is hosting a walk Out of the Darkness near the University of Illinois Springfield campus on Saturday.

The walk will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union. Organizers say the walk is one of 17 walks to be held in Illinois this fall. And you can register on-site.

The numbers are staggering, with organizers saying in 2021, more than half of Americans have been affected by suicide in one way or another. In the state of Illinois, suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and the 6th for 35-44.

But, the numbers of hope are impressive, with 94% of adults thinking suicide can be prevented.

Organizers say Nationally, 9 in 10 people who die by suicide had a mental health condition at the time of their death, and often, those conditions were not being treated. They say suicide is a public health problem, but it can be addressed through education and advocacy work.

"The Illinois Out of the Darkness Walk is important to me because it provides a safe space for people to come together, support one another, and talk about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention," said Rae Anne Dutz, Springfield Community Walk Chair. "Having this walk in our community shows people they are not alone and that it's okay to not be okay. I have struggled with mental health issues myself, but I ultimately made the decision to volunteer as Walk Chair in honor of my late father who died by suicide in 2013. I saw the struggles he went through, and I knew I wanted to use my experience to help others and try to make a difference."

The first walk was held in 2004. Since then, the organization has raised more than $400,000 annually in Illinois. Which Angela Cummings says is used for research and education.

"Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. There are a couple of ways we do that. Obviously, we support those who have lost loved ones to suicide, but we also do free education, resources, and research." Cummings added there will be 500 walks taking place across the country this fall. "Last year, we were able to reach 1200 middle and high schoolers and get them the help they need to recognize the signs within themselves or their peers."

Cummings says a lot of the money goes to research and says AFSP is the largest private funder to suicide research in the world, and their research has led the way with new treatments for mental health conditions.

She also wants to remind people that if they are in a crisis, they should call or text 988. They will be connected with someone who can help.

The Out of the Darkness Walk is free. Those wishing to walk can register by clicking here.

You can find more walks by clicking here.

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