Northern Arizona VA to host 5th annual Suicide Prevention Poker Run

For the fifth year in a row, the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System is hosting a free, fun, and educational outreach event highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month that starts in Prescott, works its way through Yavapai County, and ends in Prescott Valley with fun, food and prizes.

The 2026 Suicide Prevention Poker Run will kick off with breakfast snacks, coffee, and check-in at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 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 Elizabeth Pinson, Northern Arizona VA 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 a score sheet, ride map and draw their first poker card.

Following a short opening ceremony and safety briefing that includes a Presentation of Colors and National Anthem, it’s “kickstands up” as riders begin their 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 a Veteran in crisis.

The educational material provided will focus on VA’s Operation S.A.V.E, a suicide prevention strategy: Knowing the Signs of suicidal thinking; Asking about suicidal thoughts; Validating the person’s experience; and Expediting and encouraging seeking help.

“Operation S.A.V.E. helps individuals act with care and compassion if they encounter a veteran or anyone else experiencing a suicidal crisis,” Pinson said. “The acronym assists with remembering the important steps involved in suicide prevention.”

Northern Arizona VA Health Care System’s 5^th Annual Suicide Prevention Poker Run ride map. The 92-mile ride starts at the Bob Stump VA Medical Center in Prescott and ends at VFW Post #10227 in Prescott Valley.

The ride will end at VFW Post #10227, 2375 N. 5^th Street, in Prescott Valley, where all riders will turn in their score sheets and pick up 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 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 “2026 Suicide Prevention Poker Run”, or click on the following link: 2026 Suicide Prevention Poker Run.

WHO:              Anyone with a two- or three-wheeled vehicle

WHAT:           A fun educational outreach event to raise awareness and learn how to help somehow struggling with a mental health or suicidal crisis while enjoying a motorcycle ride through Yavapai County.

WHERE:         Starts at Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Highway 89 N, Prescott, AZ

WHEN:           Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

PREREGISTRATION: Go to Eventbrite.com and search for “2026 Suicide Prevention Poker Run” or click on the following link: 2026 Suicide Prevention Poker Run.

CONTACT:     If you have questions about the event, please call 928-445-4860 ext. 2718

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About the Northern Arizona VA Health Care System:

Through its main campus in Prescott – along with Community Based Outpatient Clinics in Anthem, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Kingman and Lake Havasu City, and rural clinics in Chinle, Kayenta, Page and Tuba City – the Northern Arizona VA provides services to approximately 34,000 Veterans over a catchment area of more than 65,000 square miles.