America is in the midst of a deadly opioid epidemic. The national rate of teenagers overdosing has tripled in the past two years. There is a need to reach this target audience with educational and awareness information particularly around the lethal dangers of illicit fentanyl. Doing so in an impactful way can be challenging as teens today are entrenched in a digital world. To meet that challenge, the Drug Enforcement Administration is taking the information battle directly to their digital world.
Source: US Drug Enforcement Agency
97% of American youth, ages 12-17, play video games. Leveraging this popularity by way of esports provides a unique mechanism to deliver DEA’s life-saving message of “One Pill Can Kill” to this hard-to-reach demographic. To best do so, a methodology has been carefully crafted that effectively uses the esports platform, gaming influencers, announcers, color commentators, and pre-produced targeted video content to convey this important information.
Sponsored by DEA, the One Pill Can Kill Game Over Tournament will feature Rocket League game play in a 2-hr tournament slated for Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 7PM (ET).
Hosted by NJCAA esports, watch eight college teams from across Pennsylvania battle it out while special guest casters and commentators deliver play-by-plays alongside vital information about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign. Plus, viewers can take a quiz for a chance to win prizes!
Learn How To Participate
Personalities making an appearance at the event includ:
Ava Michelle Cota
Ava Michelle Cota, born April 10, 2002, is an influential American actress, best known for her captivating role as Jodi Kreyman in the Netflix hit series, “Tall Girl” and its sequel, “Tall Girl 2”. Her journey in the entertainment world began early, showcasing her remarkable talent in the popular TV series “Dance Moms”, where she made regular appearances from the third to the seventh seasons.
In the wake of a personal tragedy, the loss of her brother Devon to an accidental fentanyl poisoning, Ava, together with her mother Jeanette Cota, embarked on a deeply personal and impactful mission and established The Devon Michael Foundation. This 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health and the fentanyl crisis and stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals striving for a healthier and more fulfilled life.
Recognizing the immense influence of social media as a primary source of news and connection for both youth and adults, Ava actively utilizes this platform to make a significant impact. Through The Devon Michael Foundation, she leverages social media’s reach to disseminate information in formats that resonate with the younger audience. With over 3 million viewers, the foundation’s viral campaigns have been instrumental in educating vast audiences about the dangers of illicit fentanyl — a critical step in saving lives.
Ava Michelle continues to inspire and engage her audience, both on-screen and through her commendable work at The Devon Michael Foundation (https://devonmichaelfoundation.com). Instagram @ava.michelle and TikTok @avamichelle02.
Jon C. DeLena
Mr. Jon C. DeLena is the Associate Administrator of Business Operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In this role, Mr. DeLena is responsible for overseeing all matters concerning personnel, compliance, budget and finance, information systems, and training.
Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. DeLena served as the Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New England Field Division. Mr. DeLena had oversight of DEA operations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Mr. DeLena is in his 32nd year of law enforcement, with almost 28 years spent with DEA.
From November 2021 to November 2022, Mr. DeLena served as the Chief of DEA’s Office of Congressional and Public Affairs. Prior to this, Mr. DeLena served as DEA’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Northern New England states (New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont).
In April 2016, Mr. DeLena attended DEA Senior Executive Leadership training at the Stayer Center for Executive Education, University of Notre Dame. Mr. DeLena served as an Executive Assistant to the DEA’s Chief of Operations, in Washington, DC prior to his assignment leading Northern New England.
Mr. DeLena proudly served as a DEA Group Supervisor in both Miami and West Palm Beach; Special Agent in both the Fort Lauderdale District Office and Glenwood Springs, Colorado Resident Office.
In 2019, Mr. DeLena was recognized in New Hampshire as the Community Leader of the Year. He has received numerous awards and commendations and has established himself as a fully engaged and highly motivated leader within the communities he serves. Mr. DeLena graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences, from the University of South Florida and worked as a Deputy Sheriff and Detective in Collier County, Florida before beginning his career with DEA. In May, 2020, Mr. DeLena graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont with a Master in Science in Executive Leadership. In December 2021, Mr. DeLena completed a Masters Foundational Leadership Certificate Program at The Ohio State University.
DEE-1
DEE 1-Esports PSA Voice Over
David Augustine Jr, better known as Dee-1, has dedicated his entire life to changing the world for the better. Along the way, he has carved out a unique niche in the business community as an acclaimed rapper, mathematics teacher, financial literacy expert, public speaker, and social influencer. Born and raised in New Orleans, Dee combines the hustle of an independent business owner with heart of an educator and the lyricism of a hip hop heavyweight. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in marketing, Dee-1 began teaching middle school in Baton Rouge. But he wanted more. He devised a strategy to transition out of his 9-5 job into being a full-time artist. Eventually, he signed a major label recording contract with RCA Records. He has toured the country for the last 10 years, moving crowds from coast to coast while becoming one of the industry’s most respected artists. His business mind allowed him to get out of his deal and establish his own label, Mission Vision Music. Along the way, Dee-1 has also successfully expanded his enterprise to clothing, public speaking, acting, personal finance, and more. In 2020, Dee received the prestigious NAACP “Power of Influence” Award. Dee-1 is a frequent speaker at colleges, prisons, churches, and corporate events around the United States. He was also appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the “Louisiana Council on the Success of Black Men and Boys.” This made him the first rapper in Louisiana history to become an appointee of the governor.
