Join us for the 13th annual JHU Out of the Darkness Walk

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks aren’t just events—they’re movements. Across the country, students, faculty, and communities come together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and offer support to those affected by suicide and mental health struggles. This isn’t just about walking—it’s about honoring lives, sharing hope, and taking action for a future where mental health is prioritized.

At Johns Hopkins University, this tradition is stronger than ever. Join us for the 13th Annual JHU Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as we step forward in solidarity on the Homewood campus.

Why You Should Be There

JHU’s Out of the Darkness Walk is open to everyone. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, friend, family member, or community supporter, you belong here. This is an inclusive, welcoming space where we walk together for awareness and support.

Four-legged friends? While service animals are welcome for the entire event (indoor and outdoor portions), friendly household pets are welcome only for the outdoor walk portion of the event.

It’s completely free to register. Fundraising is optional—our biggest goal is to build community, spark conversations, and create change. Sign up today on this page.

Every dollar donated makes an impact. If you choose to contribute, 100% of the proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to fund research, advocacy, survivor support, and educational programs. And yes, donations are tax-deductible!

What to Expect on Walk Day

Where: Homewood Campus. Meet at the O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-Being.
How far: A scenic 2.3-mile walk through campus, rain or shine.
What else: An inspirational opening ceremony, activities, and ways to connect.

Starting at 9:30 AM, enjoy:

• Breakfast. THB bagels, coffee, fruit, and snacks.
• Creative activities, including:
  • A sign-making station. Create a sign with a message of support or encouragement.
  • Kindness rock painting. Keep it or leave it along the route to inspire others.
  • A memorial wall. Share a message, honor a loved one, or find words of encouragement.
  • A photo booth. Capture the moment with friends and fellow walkers.
  • Resource tables. Connect with mental health organizations and support services.

At 10:00 AM, we kick things off with an inspiring ceremony featuring a brave guest speaker, moving performances, and words of encouragement.

Following the ceremony, we start the 2.3-mile walk around the Homewood campus.

After the walk, stick around for a raffle with exciting well-being prizes and a guided meditation for reflection and support.

More Than Just a Walk, It’s a Movement

A Supportive, Hopeful Atmosphere

This event is about connection, healing, and resilience. Whether you’ve been personally affected by suicide or want to be an ally for mental health, you’ll find a community that welcomes and uplifts you.

Volunteer and Make an Impact

We’re looking for:

• Volunteers to help promote the event.
• Mental health organizations to host resource tables.
• Set up and event support volunteers for April 4-5.

Interested? Fill out this volunteer form. Email Caress Roach ([email protected]) or Carol Spencer ([email protected]) if you have questions.

Mental Health Support Beyond the Walk

The conversation doesn’t end here. JHU offers year-round programs, including:

• Mental Health Services (MHS) Workshops and Drop-in Groups. Open to all JHU students and learners
• QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training.
  • Open session for students.
  • Open session for faculty and staff.
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training. Scheduled by request through Mental Health Services or Health Promotion & Well-Being.
• Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA) Mindfulness Course. Scheduled regularly during academic year and by request through Mental Health Services or Health Promotion & Well-Being.
• JHU Benefits and Worklife Well-Being Programs. For JHU, JHH, and Bayview employees.

Learning about resources available to support anyone in emotional or psychological distress is a key part of community engagement for suicide prevention. Hopkins has many resource options available for its affiliates. Students and trainees can go to wellbeing.jhu.edu to learn about many of them. Here are some resources that we’d like to highlight here:

• Well-Being Coaching with Health Promotion & Well-Being. Open to all JHU students and trainees.
• Mental Health Services (MHS). Open to all JHU students and trainees.
• Chat with a Counselor. Open to all JHU students and trainees.
• Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team (BHCST). BHCST pairs experienced, compassionate crisis clinicians with specially trained public safety officers to support individuals in crisis on and around the Homewood, Peabody, and East Baltimore campuses.
• Primary Care. Open to all JHU students and trainees.
• JHU Employee Assistance Program (JHEAP). Through JHEAP, JHU employees (including JHH, Bayview, and house staff) and their household family members have free 24/7 access to confidential counseling and referral services for help with stress at work or at home, emotional distress, a difficult life transition, or other challenges.

Let’s Walk Together for Change

Getting to the walk is easy. Use the free JH Shuttle Service or find metered parking on surrounding streets or on-campus garage parking (fees apply).

We’ll keep this blog updated with the latest details, so check back often.

We can’t wait to see you on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Let’s walk for awareness, for support, and for a future where no one walks alone.

Are you in?