SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — March 2, 2026 — The Emily’s Hope Youth Prevention Coalition is welcoming the community tonight, Monday, March 2, from 6:00–8:00 PM, for a free screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Can’t Look Away at the Washington Pavilion’s Belbas Theater.
The event, sponsored by Avera, provides a critical look at the impact of social media on youth, specifically highlighting the connection between digital platforms and the sale of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Following the film, an expert panel will discuss the legal, psychological, and personal realities of social media-related harms. Featured speakers include:
- Amy Neville: President of the Alexander Neville Foundation.
- Matthew Bergman: Founding Attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center.
- Angela Kennecke: Investigative journalist and founder of Emily’s Hope.
- Dr. Wallace Jackmon: Licensed Clinical Psychologist and adolescent specialist.
“This event is about empowering families with awareness that can help prevent future tragedies,” said Angela Kennecke, CEO and founder of Emily’s Hope. “The dangers facing young people today often begin online, and tonight’s conversation brings together the expertise needed to address these growing risks.”
Amy Neville is among the parents suing Snapchat after her 14-year-old son, Alexander, died from fentanyl poisoning after purchasing a counterfeit pill through the platform. Matthew Bergman represents more than 4,000 families nationwide in lawsuits against major social media companies, advancing a legal strategy that challenges Section 230 protections and seeks to hold platforms accountable for alleged negligent product design and failure to protect children. Bergman is also serving as a plaintiff’s attorney in the social media addiction trial currently being held in Los Angeles. Roughly 1,500 of his cases have been allowed to proceed in courts across the country, positioning him at the forefront of a rapidly evolving national legal battle over digital safety. His firm has filed seven cases against OpenAI, three of which involved individuals who had allegedly been encouraged to commit suicide by ChatGPT.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Amy Neville and Matthew Bergman will be available for interviews on Monday before and after the event. Please contact Kayli Fitz to arrange interviews earlier in the day. Bergman can provide insight into the national litigation effort and what these cases could mean for the future of platform accountability.
The documentary screening is free and open to all parents, caregivers, and community members. Registration is available here.
Film provided courtesy of Jolt.Film
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
For additional media information, please visit emilyshope.charity/media.