PRESCOTT, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona VA Health Care System will host its third annual Suicide Prevention Poker Run on Saturday, September 7, 2024. This free event is designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention through an engaging 92-mile motorcycle/trike ride, starting and ending in Yavapai County. Participants will begin the journey at the Northern Arizona VA Medical Center in Prescott and finish in Prescott Valley, where food, live music, and additional resources will be available.
The event will commence with registration, snacks, and coffee at 8 a.m., followed by the ride’s start at 9 a.m. from Parking Lot “M” at the VA Medical Center, located at 500 Highway 89 N. The ride is open to anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle.
“Anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle may join the ride,” said Jessie Smock, Northern Arizona VA’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
Riders will receive their first poker card and a score sheet upon check-in. After a brief opening ceremony and safety briefing, participants can depart at their own pace. Along the route, riders will make stops to draw additional poker cards, enjoy refreshments, and receive crucial information on suicide prevention.
The educational focus of the event centers around VA’s Operation S.A.V.E., a strategy to help individuals recognize and respond to suicidal crises. Operation S.A.V.E. stands for:
- S: Signs of suicidal thinking
- A: Ask about suicidal thoughts
- V: Validate the experience
- E: Encourage seeking help
“Operation S.A.V.E. helps individuals act with care and compassion if they encounter a veteran or anyone else in a suicidal crisis,” Smock emphasized.
The ride will conclude around noon at VFW Post #10227 in Prescott Valley, where participants will turn in their score sheets and receive a ride pin and t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to riders with the highest and lowest poker hands. The event will also feature a lunch, live music, and further suicide prevention resources.
Preregistration is encouraged to ensure sufficient food and refreshments for all riders. Participants can register and view the full ride map by searching for “2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run” on Eventbrite.com or by following this link: 2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run.
WHO: Anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle
WHAT: A suicide prevention awareness event involving a 92-mile motorcycle ride around Yavapai County
WHERE: Begins at Bob Stump VA Medical Center, 500 Highway 89 N, Prescott, AZ; ends at VFW Post #10227, 2375 N. 5th Street, Prescott Valley, AZ
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
PREREGISTRATION: Visit Eventbrite.com and search for “2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run” or click here
CONTACT: For event inquiries, please call 928-445-4860 ext. 6662
Media Contact:
Max Efrein, Public Affairs Officer
Northern Arizona VA
(928) 910-0332
[email protected]
