Congratulations to 2017-2018 UthMpact Leadership Class VII

Congratulations to 2017-2018 UthMpact Leadership Class VII

Students from Polk County high schools have been nominated by school principals and community members to participate in the 2017-2018 UthMpact Leadership Class VII. This unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills. 

The 40 new Leadership Class members will attend a DiSC Profile Training, Leadership Retreat, and Etiquette Dinner this summer. Beginning in September, the youth leaders will travel throughout the county once a month to experience the inner workings of local business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The teens will meet with influential leaders to discuss challenges faced in the community and suggest proactive solutions. 

Makenna Adamson from McKeel Academy High School

Rocky Alejandro from Haines City High School

Jack Aranda from George Jenkins High School

Mackenzie Aranda from Harrison School for the Arts

Josie Blum from Lake Wales High School

Darek Brock from Mulberry High School

Kaitlyn Brown from Lakeland High School

Kasandra Correa from Haines City High IB

Alexander Cortez from Haines City High School

Lane Edelson from Bartow IB

Kelsey Elmhorst from McKeel Academy High School

Jeremiah Feddeler from Lakeland High School

William Garcia from All Saints Academy

Chayil Garnett from Lake Wales High School

Soteria Garnett from Lake Wales High School

Cameron Glenn from Central Florida Aerospace

Annabella Griggs from Discovery High School

Chloe Heminger from Winter Haven High School

Peter Hussey from Polk Collegiate

Shanaya Jaitly from Bartow IB                      

Willie Knighton from Lake Wales High School

Megan Kobunski from Haines City High School

Craig Massey from Summerlin Academy

Emma Moses from Harrison School for the Arts

Cole Mount from Summerlin Academy

Trinity Myers from Kathleen High School

Julia Norman from Lakeland High School

Gabriela Olivera from Lakeland High School

Joey Penas from Bartow IB

Megan Pieske from Harrison School for the Arts

Trent Poquette from Discovery High School

Angel Rivera-Quinones from Haines City High School

Monica Rodriguez from Central Florida Aerospace 

Olivia Schneider from Haines City High IB

Jackie Scott from Lake Gibson High School

Donnia Skipper from Lake Region High School

Isabella Wallace from Summerlin Academy

Wyatt Wilkinson from Winter Haven High School

Bailey Williams from Lake Gibson Middle School 

Joshua Wingo from Polk Collegiate

REGISTER NOW for the 2017 RED RIBBON HALF MARATHON, 5K & KIDS RUN Saturday, November 11th

 REGISTER NOW for the
2017 RED RIBBON HALF MARATHON, 5K and KIDS RUN

Saturday, November 11

Join us as we honor our brave Veterans at the Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 11, 2017 around the picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and lake to lake area! It’s a fun family event for adults to compete in the Half Marathon or 5K and K-8 students to participate in the Kids Fun Run.

Start Time
  6:30 am for Half Marathon
  7:00 am for 5K
8 am for Kids Fun Run

Lake Mirror Promenade at 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland 

Register Today at www.RedRibbonHalf.com

  Our community’s Red Ribbon tradition continues with Polk County’s Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 11, 2017 in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention. The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., InnerAct Alliance, and partner MidFlorida Credit Union, is a Family Event where adults can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and K-8 students can participate in the Kids Fun Run. Early registration is encouraged at www.RedRibbonHalf.com.

The Kids Fun Run for K-8 students begins at 8:00 a.m. with check-in at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. The Fun Run is FREE for those who pre-register before November 1^st ($5 fee after 11/1/17) and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt and free refreshments. The Kids Run will start and finish at Lake Mirror Promenade and follow a route around Lake Mirror. Awards will be given for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place runners in gender categories, and to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school with the largest percentage of participating students, based on school census. The private school with the highest percentage of participation will also receive a trophy.

CELEBRATNG OUR VETERANS!  In celebration of the Veterans Day Weekend, we are offering an opportunity for all race participants to honor a Veteran by nominating them for a FREE HALF MARATHON or 5K REGISTRATION when you register to Run! Veterans Slots are limited. For registration and event information, please visit www.RedRibbonHalf.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries. We look forward to seeing you November 11.

We are excited to partner with The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce for THE BIG EVENT: A Family Celebration of Lakeland, which begins after the Red Ribbon Run events at 4:00 pm at the historic Lake Mirror Promenade. The BIG EVENT will feature local live music, delicious food, a kids’ fun zone, Business Expo, Makers & Artisans Row, and more! 

Kicking the Habit – Most Effective Smoking Cessation Methods

Kicking the Habit – Most Effective Smoking Cessation Methods

Now six months into 2017, how is your New Year’s Resolution to quit smoking coming along? What methods have you found to be most or least effective? It’s no secret that most smokers become addicted to nicotine, a drug naturally found in tobacco. In fact, more people in the U.S. are addicted to nicotine than to any other drug – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine may be as addictive as heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. Quitting smoking is difficult and often requires several attempts. People who stop smoking often return to smoking because of withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable, angry or anxious, having trouble thinking, craving tobacco products, feeling hungrier than usual.

A report released by the CDC in April 2017 and published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease has studied the most popular smoking cessation techniques and methods used by nearly 16,000 adult cigarette smokers in the U.S. over a two-year period from 2014-2016. The study determined that 74.7 percent of survey participants used multiple methods during their most recent quit attempt.

“Giving up cigarettes all at once (63.3 percent) and reducing the number of cigarettes smoked (62 percent) were the most prevalent methods,” said the CDC. The nicotine patch, gum, or other approved Food and Drug Administration (FDA) methods were popular amongst 25.4 percent of respondents. Other quit methods include getting help from a doctor or health professional (15.2 percent), using smoking-cessation medications approved by the FDA (12.2 percent), receiving help from a website (7.1 percent), or a Quit-line (5.4 percent).

E-cigarettes have quickly become the most popular smoking cessation product (35.3 percent). However, e-cigarettes are classified as a tobacco product by the FDA, creating controversy about whether it is a safe, effective smoking cessation tool. “There is no conclusive scientific evidence that e-cigarettes are effective for long-term cessation of cigarette smoking,” the CDC said. “E-cigarettes are not approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation aid. Most smokers who are switching to e-cigarettes or ‘mild’ cigarettes are not switching completely or stopping their cigarette smoking.”

There are local resources available to help you live a tobacco-free life. Florida Department of Health Tobacco Free Florida’s cessation campaign, “Quit Your Way”, offers phone, group, web options, and text support. Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges, or gum) are also available. For a list of Tobacco Cessation support group sessions offered in Polk County, please visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway or call 877-848-6696.

Source: Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) https://www.ncadd.org/blogs/in-the-news/cdc-report-evaluates-effective-smoking-cessation-methods

RED RIBBON FIFTH GRADE RALLIES POSTER, POETRY and ESSAY CONTESTS - WINTER HAVEN AREA WINNERS

RED RIBBON FIFTH GRADE RALLIES
POSTER, POETRY & ESSAY CONTESTS – WINTER HAVEN AREA WINNERS

Polk County, FL – InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of the Red Ribbon Rally for The Facts Poster, Poetry, and Essay Contest for Fifth Grade Students in the greater Winter Haven/Haines City area schools. Contest participants will be recognized during the Red Ribbon Rally tomorrow, Tuesday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at the Polk State College Gym in Winter Haven.

The prevention rally focuses on reinforcing substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school. Students were challenged to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate how they live their lives drug free and show the truth about how most young people do not use drugs or alcohol. Overall winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place).

Winter Haven Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners

Poster Contest
1^st Place $100.00 - Kayra Flores Samuels from Lake Alfred

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Rubi Pena from Pinewood

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Anyla Manuel from Lake Alfred

                                   

Poetry Contest
1^st Place $100.00 - Taylor Remy from Loughman Oaks

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Dejahyria Callaway from Alta Vista

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Alin Contreras-Campos from Auburndale

Essay Contest 
1^st Place $100.00 - Kaiden McGuire from Alta Vista
2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Hunter Burns from Lena Vista

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Adielysmar Castro from Elbert

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall - Lake Alfred

Guest speaker for the Rally is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America encouraging students to do their best in their endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.”

A similar rally for Lakeland area schools was held last week on May 10, 2017 at The Lakeland Center.

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, teen-driven social marketing, and awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others with an important substance abuse prevention message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rally, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777. 

RED RIBBON FIFTH GRADE RALLIES POSTER, POETRY & ESSAY CONTESTS - LAKELAND AREA WINNERS

RED RIBBON FIFTH GRADE RALLIES
POSTER, POETRY and ESSAY CONTESTS - LAKELAND AREA WINNERS

Lakeland, FL – InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of the Red Ribbon Rally for the Facts Poster, Poetry, and Essay Contest for Fifth Grade Students in the greater Lakeland area schools. Contest participants will be recognized during the Rallies that take place today, Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., at The Lakeland Center.

The prevention rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school. Students were challenged to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate how they live their lives drug free and show the truth about how most young people do not use drugs or alcohol. Overall winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place).

Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners for 9:30 AM RALLY

Poster Category 
1^st Place $100.00 - Kelliam Santiago-Leon from Dr. NE Roberts             

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Kacy Connell from Purcell 
3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Izuarelis Garcia from Berkley  

Poetry Category
1^st Place $100.00 - Serenity Hernandez from Padgett       

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Byron Burton from Dr. NE Roberts                 

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Zackary Breitenbach from Churchwell            

Essay Category 
1^st Place $100.00 - Kya Long from Berkley           

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Katherine Oliver from  Churchwell

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Sasha Lopez from Dr. NE Roberts

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – Berkley Charter

Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners for 11:30 AM RALLY

Poster Category
1^st Place $100.00 - Jaalyn McBride from Dixieland

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Jasmine Hagan from Cleveland Court               

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Giovanni Lopez Garcia from Jesse Keen

Poetry Category
1st Place $100.00 - Sarah Wright from McKeel Academy Central

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Pranav Gunjala from Lincoln Academy                            

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Kaylienne Duran from North Lakeland

Essay Category
1^st Place $100.00 - Kiara Vargas from St. Anthony           

2^nd Place $ 50.00 - Kendell Anthony Joseph from South McKeel

3^rd Place $ 25.00 - Melanie Colbert-Cortright from St. Paul

Guest speaker for the Rallies is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America encouraging students to do their best in all their endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.”

Another rally for Winter Haven and Haines City area schools will be held next week on May 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the Polk State College Gym. Contest winners for those schools will be announced next week.

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, teen-driven social marketing, and awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others with an important substance abuse prevention message.

For further information on the Fifth-Grade Rallies, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.  

Spring 2017 DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Event Successfully Nets 2,396 lbs. of Medications

Spring 2017 DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Event 

Successfully Nets 2,396 lbs. of Medications

Polk County, FL - StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 29, 2017 for Polk County citizens to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 2,396 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. The 8 drop-off sites that participated in the Spring Medication Take Back included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to over 12,000 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. All medications were safely disposed of via incineration. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s six permanent drop sites at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (100 Smith Avenue, weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Congratulations to Polk County Teacher of the Year Lois Horn-Diaz

Congratulations to Polk County Teacher of the Year
Lois Horn-Diaz

InnerAct Alliance congratulates our long-time friend and supporter, Mrs. Lois Horn-Diaz, an outstanding educator at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School in Lakeland who was recently named Polk County Teacher of the Year. We appreciate the vital role she plays in improving the quality of life for students and families in Polk County through her daily teaching duties and activities.

For many years, Lois volunteered her time and talents to perform original songs to relay the prevention message to children at Red Ribbon Rallies for over 6,000 fifth grade students each spring, as well as at Red Ribbon Campaign kick-off events at elementary schools in the fall. She has an amazing ability to deliver a powerful message in a fun way that brings the whole community together in support of the Red Ribbon message to “Stay away from drugs and say YES to healthy activities.” Thanks, Lois, for all you do!