United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS – The Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division will join the St. Charles, Missouri, Kiwanis on Aug. 8 for “Cycling for Our Children,” as a sponsor to the bike ride that supports youth drug education.

While DEA is primarily recognized for its law enforcement efforts, the opioid crisis remains a concern in combatting drug trafficking. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, while Missouri’s opioid deaths decreased in 2019, more than 1,000 people died from overdoses. In 2017, one in seven high school students said that at least once in their lifetime, they had taken prescription pain medicine without a doctor’s prescription or differently than how a doctor told them to use it.

 “Opioid misuse among our youth is a concern particularly during this pandemic crisis,” said DEA St. Louis Division head Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan. “The DEA regularly works with community groups, like the Kiwanis, who are involved in youth drug prevention about making good choices when it comes to the dangers of drug abuse and opioid misuse. It is rewarding to partner with them in an effort to connect with our youth and their families. We join with the families who are in the battle for their loved ones suffering from substance use disorder.”

"The Kiwanis Club of St Charles Missouri is excited to have DEA St. Louis as our tour sponsor this year, and thrilled to host the event in support of Addiction Is Real,” said Michael Webb, Kiwanis Cycling for Children event chair. “Please grab your bike and help us to fight drugs in our community!”

Event organizers will follow health guidelines for this family-friendly outdoor event. This is the fifth year the Kiwanis have held the fundraiser, but the first time the DEA has partnered with them.

The bike ride is a fundraiser that supports Addiction is Real, a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate parents about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and provide them the tools to take a more proactive approach in having these discussions with their child. The organization is also one of the many resources the DEA division promotes on its community resource page, withyouSTL.com.

The event will be start at the St. Charles Soccer Complex Park, 3801 Mueller Road, in St. Charles. Registrations are still being accepted at bikereg.com/scmokiwanis. Route lengths run from 12 to 45 miles. The registration fee is $25.

For additional information about the event, contact event chair Michael Webb at michaelwebb@webbinsurance.com.