S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride: Veterans suicide prevention awareness and memorial ride, Sept. 21
PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2024
Oklahoma City , OK — Oklahoma City VA Health Care System (OKCVAHCS) is proud to announce the third annual S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride. This event is dedicated to raising awareness about Veteran suicide prevention and providing support for those struggling with suicide, addiction and mental health issues.
The S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, 921 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, and ends with a memorial service at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
“S.A.V.E. Our Heroes Ride is a movement,” said Kristen Melton, chief of Chaplain Services at OKCVAHCS. “We're calling on the community to join us in this critical mission to save lives and support our Veterans. Everyone is welcome to attend. Motorcycles are not required. Two, three and four-wheeled vehicles can all ride along the route with us."
Riders will navigate historic Route 66, paying tribute to fallen Veterans and promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The ride is open to all who wish to show their support for Veterans, their families and caregivers.
The acronym S.A.V.E. is a quick reference when someone may be displaying suicidal tendencies and critical steps to in suicide prevention:
S - Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized
A – Ask the most critical question, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
V – Validate the Veteran’s experience
E – Encourage treatment and expedite getting help
Last year OKC VA Chaplain, David Potter focused on the suicide statistics, this year he is only focused on one number.
“There is a misconception out there that if you were to ask someone if they are contemplating suicide, it doesn’t increase the chances of them going through with the act of suicide. What it actually does is show them that you care, that you love them, that you see they are hurting and you want to help,” said Potter, “There are so many different resources and organizations out there, including VA assistance and people who go out of their way to make sure you have someone to talk to. Its staggering the amount of people out there that think they are alone—and I want them all to know that they are not alone.”
If you have a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911, the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 then press 1, or go to the nearest emergency department. OKCVAHCS Emergency Department is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Registration and Information: Please contact David Potter at 405-456-5138 for more information and to register. Participants can register up to the day of the ride.
Carmen Daugherty, Public affairs officer
Phone: