United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MADISON, Miss. – On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Field Division will partner with United Against Fentanyl (UAF) to host the Madison Walk for Lives 2026 community event. Taking place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM CDT at Liberty Park (100 Liberty Park Dr, Madison, MS 39110), this free, family-friendly gathering is part of a coordinated national mobilization across the nation to raise critical awareness about the fentanyl crisis.

The Madison gathering is part of a coordinated series of more than 100 family-led community events across the country. These events aim to bring increased attention to one of the nation’s greatest public safety and health threats by uniting the federal government’s lead drug enforcement agency with the nation’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to ending the fentanyl crisis.

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, leaving more than one million parents throughout the United States grieving the loss of a child. This regional mobilization brings together bereaved families, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community members from the greater Jackson metro to honor lost loved ones, support recovery, and connect residents directly with life-saving resources.

Regional Event Details & Activities

The Walk for Lives in Madison is organized by bereaved family members and supported by regional community partners, faith communities, and law enforcement. The event is completely free, family-friendly, and open to anyone who has faced the devastating effects of fentanyl poisoning or wishes to support local recovery efforts.

What to Expect:
•    A Short Memorial Walk: An opportunity to honor those lost to fentanyl poisoning as well as loved ones currently in recovery.
•    Live Music & Kids Activities: Performances by live musicians, alongside kid-friendly bouncy houses and snow cones.
•    Complimentary Food: 150 free food tickets will be available for on-site local vendors.
•    Lifesaving Resources: Free Naloxone distribution and CPR demonstrations by the Madison County Fire Department.
•    Prizes & Giveaways: A prize drawing registration will begin at 9:30 AM at the event. Giveaways include a spa gift basket; gift cards; a safari park and lunch package; and a free fishing guide trip.

Direct Access to Care: Treatment & Community Resource Fair

A core pillar of the event is connecting participants directly to care. The event features 17 treatment and public service provider booths, including:
•    DEA & Fentanyl Free America, New Orleans Field Division
•    Mississippi Attorney General’s Office
•    Mississippi Department of Health
•    Madison County Fire Department & Madison County Juvenile Court
•    Region 8 Mental Health Services
•    First Responders of Mississippi & Mississippi Public Health Institute
•    Private and Non-Profit Care Providers: Defining Wellness Rehabilitation Services, A Bridge To Recovery Rehabilitation Services, Belmont Gardens Rehabilitation Services, Magnolia Wellness and Recovery, Now I See Intervention Services, Black Sheep Recovery Warfare Organization, American Addiction Centers-Oxford Treatment Centers, Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Jackson, and Center Space.

Featured Speakers

Attendees will hear insights from local leaders, medical professionals, enforcement officials, and regional families sharing their personal stories of survival and loss:
•    Buddy Fortner (Emcee)
•    Janie Jarvis (Madison Alderman At Large) – Opening Welcome Message
•    Mike Canoy (Superintendent of Parks for Madison the City) – Opening Prayer
•    Colonel Steven Maxwell (Director of Corrections for Mississippi, formerly with the MS Bureau of Narcotics)
•    Brenda Foster, RN (Nurse Navigator for Substance Use Disorders, Mississippi Department of Health)
•    Lisa Valadie (Madison Fire Department)
•    Mr. John P. Scott (Special Agent in Charge, New Orleans Field Division, DEA)
•    Kim Johnson (Mother sharing her daughter Katie’s story)
•    Cordie Rodenbaugh (Mother sharing her son Parker’s story)
•    Renee Clements (Mother sharing her son Mason’s story)
•    Brynn Knox (Recovery Speaker)

Registration Information:

Members of the community and regional media are encouraged to register, view the full itinerary, or sign up to participate by visiting the official event portal: https://go.walkforlives.org/ms-madison.