Over 150 people gathered Saturday on the front lawn of City Hall for Macomb's 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk, where social service-related resource tables provided program and support information, and event speakers focused on destigmatizing suicide, seeking help and more before the traditional walk around the Square.
September is designated as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the local Out of the Darkness Walk helps to raise awareness, as well as funds for the Illinois' chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Coordinated by Macomb resident Susan Denecke, the Macomb/McDonough County event brings together individuals who have lost friends and loved ones to suicide, and those who want to help raise awareness for suicide prevention. .
Featured speakers include Tonya Woods of Industry, who lost her son, Cooper, to suicide in August 2020, and Sarah Kosel of Macomb, who lost her uncle, Timothy, to suicide in June 2014. Woods' message focused on the importance of community and finding 'your people,' as well as talking openly about mental illness and suicide. Kosel's message focused on removing the stigma of talking about suicide, and advocating for more suicide prevention and awareness resources.
Out of the Darkness Walk 2025 sponsors include Capital Power, the Brendon and Sawyer Memorial Golf Outing, Therapeutic Solutions of Macomb, McDonough District Hospital Behavioral Health Services, Tri-States Public Radio, Community News Brief, City of Macomb and Macomb Park District.
