Join us: Out of the Darkness Walks

A message from Jennifer M. Crompton, 2026-2027 Missouri Bar president

Last year, I participated in my first Out of the Darkness Walk in conjunction with The Missouri Bar and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). It was a sunny, pleasant morning, and I was immediately struck by the number of participants and the colorful honor beads they wore. As I looked more closely, I realized each color represented a particular experience or loss: the loss of a child or friend, a personal struggle, or a suicide attempt. It was both deeply moving and profoundly sad.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Our profession faces an increased risk of depression, substance misuse, and suicide at alarming rates. It is a subject few of us wish to dwell on, yet suicide has affected all of us. There is hope. By bringing these struggles into the light, we can raise awareness and connect people with available resources.

The Missouri Bar offers the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program, which provides free and confidential counseling and referrals for lawyers, law students, and their families. The Missouri Bar also has a Lawyers’ Assistance and Well-being Committee that connects lawyers throughout the state. I encourage you to join the committee on connect.MOBAR.

I also invite you to join fellow lawyers and judges at an upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk. Beginning this weekend, The Missouri Bar will have multiple teams participating in walks across the state. Together, we can raise awareness and foster support.

Join us:

• Springfield (Greene Co.), Sept. 26: (Select Join Our Team)
• St. Louis, Sept. 27: (Select Join Our Team)
• Kansas City, Oct. 3: (Select Join Our Team)
• Columbia, Oct. 25: (Select Join Our Team)

Take care of yourselves, and each other.

Jennifer M. Crompton
2026-2027 Missouri Bar president

If you are in an emergency situation, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.