Our goal is to bring awareness, prevention, education, and counseling to those struggling with the impact of suicide. This ride brings together survivors of suicide, their families, friends, supporters, and local bikers. The Ride is an opportunity to move for something that matters –whether that is for health, recovery, or in memory of a loved one.
What is a 988 Call?
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.
Between 2019 - 2021 The motorcycle community in Salt Lake City Utah experienced a considerable influx of death by suicide. This propelled the call to action by Kristi, Dan, Jake and Kevin to start opening the conversation about mental health and suicide. On May 15th 2021 the 1st Ride to Prevent Suicide rally was held. With almost triple the projected attendance, the founders knew this was a much needed event for the community. This grassroots organization gained its official 501(c)(3) status in March of 2022.
By the 2nd year Ride to Prevent Suicide had been asked to attend multiple events including Ride to Zero for Veteran suicide prevention , Autism Awareness, Ride The Brainwave, Peace on Earth Gala and Tawnee House for domestic abuse victims, AMC Awareness, The Mascot Bowl and Utah Patriots Car Show (just to name a few)
The organization has been honored to partner with Ganelynn Condie, Rob Eastman, Jared Banks, Kim Norman, Life's Worth Living Foundation, Salt Lake Behavioral Health, Empowered Me Counseling, The I Love You Bro project, 1° of Separation, Wat da Buc productions, Law Tigers and Marine Riders.
The Ride to Prevent Suicide organization has been able to sponsor a young woman who lost her mom to suicide. Her mother was an incredible dancer and instructor of dance, she instilled this love of dance in her daughter. This young woman was one of the youngest to be accepted on the drill team of her high school. The love and loss of her mother can be seen in the expression of emotion through the movement of her body. Donations raised from Wat da Buc monthly comedy shows are used to purchase and deliver the most needed food and baby items for the Magna Food Pantry. As well as a coat drive for elementary aged children, and a Sub For Santa. Funds are also allocated to help pay for monthly therapy, prevention and intervention training, and to aid in the final cost of losing a loved one.
Our committee member's and volunteers have all been interpersonally affected by mental health. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide.