United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CHICAGO – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division and United Against Fentanyl (UAF) will host a Walk for Lives 2026 event at the Warrick County Courthouse Square in Boonville, Indiana, 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. Over 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.”

“Every life lost to a fentanyl poisoning is a tragedy that leaves a lasting impact on families, friends and entire communities,” said Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division. “Through Walk for Lives and the Fentanyl Free America initiative, we are working alongside community leaders, educators, prevention specialists and families to raise awareness, provide resources and prevent future tragedies. Together, we can save lives through education, engagement and action.”

“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.”

“We walk to honor the loved ones whose voices have been silenced due to fentanyl poisonings. It's not acceptable and we must fight to end this epidemic so that no one else has to endure this pain,” said Jean Carter, Hope for Warrick County founder, and the regional organizer for the Walk for Lives event at the Warrick County Courthouse Square. 

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.