Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III is teaming up with youth leaders, public health experts, and local law enforcement for a community-focused event designed to bring the fentanyl crisis into focus, from the perspective of those most impacted: our young people.

The District 3 Talks Fentanyl: a Youth Town Hall will take place on Saturday, June 21 from 10:00am until 11:30am in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

The forum will feature an interactive panel discussion moderated by Commissioner Watkins and Dr. Dana Tatum, a licensed professional counselor specializing in addiction and youth mental health.

The event begins with a short screening of the Emmy-winning docuseries Upfront Gwinnett: Fighting Fentanyl, followed by a youth-led panel featuring representatives from GUIDE, GNR Public Health, and the Jr. DA and Investigator Mentorship Program. Subject matter experts - including Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson and Gwinnett Police Narcotics Unit Sgt. Terry Werho - will also be on hand to respond to questions and share resources.

The goal: open, honest dialogue and actionable insight on how young people can protect themselves, support each other, and push back against misinformation surrounding fentanyl and fake pills.

The event is free and open to the public. A resource fair will follow, with information on mental health services, youth leadership programs and drug prevention.

The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center is located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.