Nonprofit Spotlight
Our September Spotlight is on the Michigan Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:
- Funding scientific research
- Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
- Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
- Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide
This month, AFSP Michigan will have their annual Washtenaw County Out of the Darkness Walk event on September 20th. For more information on supporting or attending the walk, or to learn about other walks in cities across Michigan, please continue reading below.
Explore or attend other upcoming Michigan Out of the Darkness Community Walks:
9/12 Shelby Twp., afsp.org/rochestermi
9/19 Lansing, afsp.org/lansing
9/19 Traverse City, afsp.org/traversecity
9/20 Washtenaw County, afsp.org/annarbor
9/26 Belle Isle, afsp.org/metrodetroit
9/27 New Boston, afsp.org/downriver
9/27 Kalamazoo, afsp.org/swmi
10/11 Grand Rapids, afsp.org/grandrapids
Details
Events to support American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – MI Chapter
Washtenaw County Out of the Darkness Walk
September 20, 2026
9:00 am
The Ann Arbor Walk has officially been renamed the Washtenaw County Walk! It will begin at Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Check in begins at 9 am and the event begins at 10 am. Sign up today to make sure you receive important updates about the Walk from the local organizers. The Walks are an opportunity to find a supportive community of people who get it, to know you're not alone, and to make a difference together. Walks are between 1 to 3 miles and non-competitive. The route and additional information specific to the Washtenaw County Walk will be added closer to Walk day. Their program includes an opening ceremony, activities of hope and healing, resource tables, and complimentary honor beads for every participant.
Resources Provided by AFSP
AFSP's mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. They fund research to improve interventions, train clinicians in suicide prevention, and advocate for policy that will save lives. They work to find better ways to reach those who suffer, and encourage schools, workplaces, and communities to make mental health a priority. They provide free educational programming to our communities and schools.
Whether you’ve lost someone or are struggling with suicidal thinking, you are not alone. AFSP brings people who have been affected by suicide out of the darkness, and gives them opportunities to help others.
Volunteering
One of the best ways to support AFSP is through volunteering!
Volunteer here: https://afsp.org/chapter/michigan#volunteer
If you're local to Washtenaw County, you can participate in a community walk this month or campus walk in the Spring. But there are many walks across Michigan or the United States that you can support or participate in.
How to Give Support
Monetary support is always a big help to this crucial work for those who are able to give. 83 cents of every donor dollar directly supports their four core areas: Research, advocacy, education and programming, as well as loss and healing programs.
They accept in kind donations for their walk events. Please locate the walk nearest to you and reach out to the walk chair.
Why Zing Loves AFSP Michigan
Knowing that many people experiencing mental health struggles or suicidal thoughts can feel isolated, as do many of those who have faced loss of loved ones through suicide. These are difficult and nuanced topics. And though no one person has the exact same journey or feelings, there's immense power in coming together and finding community. Life can be a tough journey to navigate without support and the tools to work through challenges. We appreciate that AFSP works to create systems to uplift people through dark times, advocate for them, educate the public, and bring funding to the research that will help going forward. We love our local Out of the Darkness Walks and the fact that they bring so much hope to those who participate.