United States Drug Enforcement Administration

RENO, Nevada – Over 700 students representing multiple high schools and middle schools in Washoe County and Douglas County participated in the Northern Nevada Opioid Youth Summit, on Tuesday, September 24. ‘Avengers’ actor Jeremy Renner and ‘Wolf Pack’ announcer Taylor Morgan were among presenters, who stepped up to the plate to shield students from the dangers of drugs. 

The summit, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with multiple partners, is part of the DEA’s ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign. This national outreach effort and educational campaign offer an opportunity for parents, educators, media, and community organizations to raise awareness about counterfeit prescription drugs.

Actor Jeremy Renner, known for his role as superhero Hawkeye in the Marvel ‘Avengers’ movies, as well as ‘Thor” and for his role in ‘The Mayor of Kinsgstown’, spoke on the dangers of opioids. Renner also spoke candidly about the snowplow accident that nearly ended his life on New Year’s Day 2023. “I had to take opioids to take the pain away. The most difficult thing I have ever endured was to get off that pain medication. But I did it as soon as I possibly could. It was three days of crying and shivering. It was awful. But I’m glad I did.”

Renner reminded students that they’re never alone. “Someone always has your back. And I’m one of them; I guarantee it. It’s important to have people around you that you care about and look after you. And that’s all that matters, it’s, the love that you have in your life. Love, that is your superpower and will always be, forever and beyond. I love you guy,” said Renner.

With the crowd cheering, Renner thanked students for allowing him to also skip school for the day. Renner left the stage after sharing an important reminder, “If you ever have a rough day or week, you’re not alone. You’re never, never alone guys. I’ll support you in any way possible. I love you.” 

The opioid youth summit, held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, provided 750 students with information focusing on the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle and increased awareness about the destructive effects of drug abuse and opioid- and prescription drug misuse. Students arrived in 26 bus loads, and left the venue emboldened with newfound knowledge, participating students are returning to their communities as junior ambassadors, able to share valuable information with peers, families, and friends. 

Students also heard a powerful message from Micah (York) Allegood, an 18-year-old, who discussed his recovery. The teen shared information about his struggles with addiction. The room cheered when Allegood lifted his head and stated that he was “one month” sober. 

Other keynote speakers included: Laura Didier of the nonprofit Song for Charlie; and Jason Frierson, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada. DEA educators and J.T.N.N (Join Together Northern Nevada) also participated in the educational lessons.

The afternoon was capped with a check presentation. United Heathcare donated $10,000 (ten-thousand dollars) to the Opioid Youth Summit. In addition to a variety of drug awareness materials and resources, students (7th- through 12th grades) were treated to music, lunch, prizes, and a swag bag.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 107,543 American lives were lost to drug poisonings in 2023. Nearly 70 percent of those drug poisonings are related to synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl; methamphetamine and other synthetic stimulants are responsible for approximately 30 percent of deaths. According to data collected by the DEA, in Reno and much of the surrounding region, fentanyl is now involved in more than three out of every four drug-caused deaths of people younger than thirty-five. Fentanyl and methamphetamine are by far the most common substances detected in all such cases.

Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, said drugs have always been dangerous, something to stay away from. But Allen warned students, “This is a whole different animal; this is something that I’ve never seen before in over 23 years with DEA. It’s all because of fentanyl. The synthetic drug that some people are making. And they aren’t chemists. They put it in stuff to make it more potent, to make it cheaper so they can make more money. At the end of the day, it’s all about money. They don’t care who dies, they don’t care about you, they don’t care about me, or my kids.” 

Washoe County School District leaders said they are dedicated to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of children, and expressed that it is vitally important that children are aware of the deadly dangers posed by illicit drugs including fentanyl. According to WCSD officials, programs like this help start important safety conversations with students, spread accurate information about these dangerous drugs, and have an impact on the decisions they may make in the future. Information about counterfeit pills, overdoses, and community resources were provided in the shared materials.

Two students from Robert McQueen High School said the information shared today resonated with them. They said that hearing about first-hand experiences finally made them realize how serious this (the opioid crisis) is. “Drugs can really harm you and impact your life in a negative way,” said the students. The teens said their favorite part of the summit (of course) was Jeremy Renner.

Major sponsors of the event include: Grand Sierra Resort (GSR), United Healthcare, Costco, Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), Dreampilot Films, and Raley’s. The event was supported by a total of 46 sponsors.

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