United States Drug Enforcement Administration

KNOXVILLE, Tn. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Louisville Field Division and United Against Fentanyl (UAF) will host a local Walk for Lives 2026 event at Covenant Health Park, Home of the Knoxville Smokies, on July 11, 2026 in support of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative. 

Walk for Lives events are organized by bereaved family members - typically parents who lost children to fentanyl-related deaths – and supported by trained volunteer leadership teams and community partners from the public and private sector. More than 100 events are taking place across the country and will feature a one-mile walk, family testimonials, expert-led educational presentations, and a community resource fair connecting participants to lifesaving services including prevention education, recovery support, and grief counseling. 

“Fentanyl Free America is a nationwide effort to save lives and protect Americans from the deadliest drug threat our nation has ever faced,” said DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole. “In partnership with United Against Fentanyl, communities across the country will participate in hundreds of awareness and education events on a single day, demonstrating that prevention is everyone’s responsibility. By working together and speaking with one voice we can raise awareness, prevent future tragedies, support affected families, and build a safer, healthier, and Fentanyl Free America.”

“So many of our communities have been devastated by the scourge of fentanyl; nearly every American has been touched in some way through the loss of a friend or a family member,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division.  “The Walk for Lives events are great way to raise awareness and honor the memories of those who have been taken from us.”

“I’ve watched DEA show unwavering support to survivors while delivering lifesaving education nationwide,” said Paul Martin, Founder and CEO of UAF. “Walk for Lives shows that when families, law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith communities, educators, businesses, and nonprofits unite, our reach grows. This partnership underscores the importance of public and private sectors standing together against the leading killer of young Americans.”

The partnership advances DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which launched in 2025 to combat the synthetic drug crisis through three pillars: Protect, Prevent, and Support. Walk for Lives delivers on all three pillars by protecting communities through awareness, preventing fentanyl poisonings through education, and supporting those most impacted through direct access to local resources.

Fentanyl-related overdoses and poisonings remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45.  On average, nine high school students die each week from a drug-related death.  More than one million parents throughout the United States grieve the loss of a child to a drug-related death. 

Visit Walkforlives.org to learn how to get involved in Walk for Lives 2026, including locations and registration. For free prevention resources and educational materials visit  DEA.gov/fentanylfree.

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