For the third year in a row, the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is hosting a free, fun, and educational suicide prevention awareness event that starts in Prescott, works its way around Yavapai County, and ends in Prescott Valley with food and live music.
The 2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run will kick off with snacks, coffee, and registration at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Northern Arizona VA’s Medical Center off Highway 89 in Prescott. This event is for anyone interested in participating in an organized 92-mile motorcycle/trike ride that begins at 9 a.m.
“Anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle may join the ride,” said Jessie Smock, Northern Arizona VA’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator.
As riders arrive at the medical center, they will be directed to park their bikes in Parking Lot “M”. When they check in, they’ll receive their first poker card and a score sheet.
Following an opening ceremony and safety briefing, the bikers will be directed to leave at their leisure to start the journey. They’ll then make several designated stops along the ride to draw additional poker cards, enjoy refreshments and receive information on how to help someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Route Map
The educational material provided at each stop will focus on VA’s Operation S.A.V.E. The suicide-prevention strategies incorporated into the acronym are: S =Signs of suicidal thinking; A=Ask about suicidal thoughts; V=Validate the Experience; and E=Encourage seeking help.
“Operation S.A.V.E. helps individuals act with care and compassion if they encounter a veteran or anyone else who is in a suicidal crisis,” Smock said. “The acronym assists with remembering the important steps involved in suicide prevention.”
The ride will end around noon at VFW Post #10227, 2375 N. 5th Street, in Prescott Valley, where all riders will turn in their score sheets and receive a ride pin and t-shirt. The riders with the highest and lowest poker hands will receive prizes.
At this final stop, there will also be lunch, live music, and additional suicide prevention resources.
Preregistration for this event is encouraged to ensure enough food and refreshments are available for all the riders. To do so, and to see the full ride map, please go to Eventbrite.com and search for “2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run”, or click on the following link: 2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run.
WHO: Anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle
WHAT: A suicide prevention awareness event that involves riding motorcycles around Yavapai County.
WHERE: Starts at Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Highway 89 N, Prescott, AZ
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
PREREGISTRATION: Go to Eventbrite.com and search for “2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run”, or click on the following link: 2024 Suicide Prevention Poker Run.
CONTACT: If you have questions about the event, please call 928-445-4860 ext. 6662
About the Northern Arizona VA
Through its main campus in Prescott, along with Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and Anthem – with additional clinics in Tuba City, Page, Kayenta, Chinle, Holbrook and Polacca – the Northern Arizona VA provides services to approximately 34,000 Veterans over a catchment area of more than 65,000 square miles.
