Thanks for Your Support & Happy Holidays!

 

InnerAct Alliance and our Coalition partners StandUP Polk and UthMpact would like to thank our generous supporters and wish you a safe & happy holiday season!

UthMpact Leadership Class X on the Move!

UthMpact Leadership is a unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, business and community partners, to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. Members of UthMpact Leadership Class X have been able to take part in October & November Leadership Days, incorporating safe social distance protocols of course! 

October’s UthMpact Leadership Day, themed “Volunteerism”, was a busy one! The teens visited with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine to learn about the Annual Swan Derby, a community event featuring swan boat races, food, and live music to bring awareness to LVIM and its mission. Next, the leaders heard a very informative presentation at The Salvation Army in Lakeland and helped pack 150 kidsPACK boxes to feed homeless and under-served students when school is not in session. The busy youth donated items to the Dream Center of Lakeland’s COMMUNITY SHOPPE. The day’s agenda continued with stops at Parker Street Ministries to learn about its programs for growth in education, workforce readiness, desirable neighborhood, financial capacity and health/wellness, and VISTE, Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, where the students had fun decorating Thanksgiving bags for distribution.

November’s UthMpact Leadership Day featured a “Business” theme and the group’s first order of business was to assemble over 500 kidsPACK food boxes for students in need over the Thanksgiving Break. Then, it was off to Catapult Lakeland where the students learned about how the organization offers support, start-up resources, and educational programs for Lakeland’s entrepreneurs. The Poor Porker welcomed UthMpact teens for a great learning opportunity to hear guest speaker, Giovanna Favilli, chef/owner of Casita Verde, share how she launched her business with the help of Lakeland’s own Catapult Kitchen.

Third stop of the day took the students to the RP Funding Center, where the group enjoyed a behind the scenes facility tour and a Zoom chat with Lakeland Magic President, Hans Steinbrenner. Topping off UthMpact Leadership's Business Day was a trip to Polk County Waste & Recycling where the students learned about how they handle and decompose all of the county's trash and why certain items cannot be recycled. 

In addition to monthly Leadership Days, UthMpact is creating awesome memes to celebrate the positives that most of Polk's youth are not engaging in risky behaviors and are doing the right thing. Members are also advocating for Mental Health & Wellness and added a new tab on the UthMpact website (www.UthMpact.org) to educate teens that mental illnesses are more common than most think - in fact, 1 in 6 youth experience a mental health disorder each year. 

UthMpact sends a huge THANK YOU to our community partners for 
helping to arrange and host these fun and informative Leadership Days!

25 Activities to Connect with Your Kids - Online & Offline

We are all spending a lot of time with our families these days. Statistics show that parents and children who participate in activities together benefit in a variety of ways - building stronger relationships and fostering more effective communication. If you’re looking for fresh ways to fill the time with family fun over Holiday Break, here are 25 Creative Family Night Ideas, with online and offline options, shared by our friends at Messenger Kids.  Put them on your fridge - they may come in handy next time you hear “I’m bored!” 

Please Support InnerAct Alliance on GivingTuesday, December 1st

 

Today is #GivingTuesday. GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 to create a day that encourages people and organizations to give back by doing good.

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are in need of donations to help bridge the shortfall in funding caused by COVID-19.

Here are 3 quick and easy options to send your donation:
1) Simply scan the QR code on the graphic
2) PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UG8BET6TF2V28

3) Mail a check, payable to InnerAct Alliance, to 621 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801

Thank You for Your Support!

Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance to Celebrate GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020

 

Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance to 

Celebrate GivingTuesday on December 1, 2020

This year has been challenging for everyone, so why not kick off the season of generosity by participating in GivingTuesday on December 1^st and close out 2020 on a positive note! 

GivingTuesday was launched in 2012 as a simple idea: to create a day that encourages people and organizations to give back by doing good. Over the past nine years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. People demonstrate generosity in many ways whether it’s helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving to causes we care about. Each act of generosity has the power to transform our communities and our world. 

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are in need of donations to help bridge the shortfall in funding caused by COVID-19. Substance abuse prevention initiatives in the Lakeland and Polk County community include science-based education classes taught to nearly 15,000 students in 69 schools, as well as outreach to over 100,000 citizens via informative presentations and social norms marketing, a premier youth leadership program, and family-oriented awareness events such as the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign and motivational rallies for fifth-grade students countywide. 

“Community engagement and support are vital to continue our agency’s programs to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with bullying prevention. Any and all donations will be appreciated!” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

There are 3 quick and easy options to send your donation: 

1) Simply scan the QR code (above) with a phone camera
2) PayPal:  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=UG8BET6TF2V28
3) Mail a check, payable to InnerAct Alliance, to 621 South Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 

Written acknowledgement will be sent to donors upon receipt of their tax-deductible gift to InnerAct Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For questions about making a donation to InnerAct Alliance, please contact Angie Ellison at (863) 802-0777. 

To read more about GivingTuesday, please visit www.givingtuesday.org. Your kind consideration is appreciated, and we wish you a safe, healthy, and Happy Holiday season!

 

InnerAct Alliance & UthMpact Are Proud Recipients of Grant Funding from Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation

 

InnerAct Alliance & UthMpact Are Proud Recipients of 
Grant Funding from Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation

InnerAct Alliance, and its youth coalition partner, UthMpact, are proud to be chosen as recipients of grant funding from the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation, Inc. (FNGF), in Lake Wales, Florida, (www.floridasnatural.com) to address problems related to health, education and youth in the Citrus Belt of Florida. 

InnerAct Alliance proposes to use the funds generously provided by the FNGF grant to support efforts of the UthMpact Leadership Program, which brings together distinguished young leaders representing every high school in the Polk County area and nearly every walk of life, to work proactively in schools and in the community. The youth leaders participate in extensive leadership training to prepare them to develop programs, activities, and services focused on creating positive change in their peer culture through social norms marketing, education, and philanthropy. The partnership between InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact has been successful in contributing to the steady decline in the abuse of alcohol among Polk County youth from 28% to 16% over the past 9 years. 

UthMpact has formed two new committees in which members will endeavor to: 1) reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote self-care among teens; and 2) promote equity by “smashing common stereotypes” and championing tolerance. Members will create dynamic virtual messaging that features profiles of local teens who represent different ethnic and racial backgrounds and highlight their cultural differences while underscoring their similarities. Another objective will showcase mental health moments in which teens will share successful strategies to reduce stress with student peers and offer possible solutions and resources in the community.   

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation to help broaden the reach of UthMpact Leadership Program’s messaging and social norms efforts,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

For additional information, please contact InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact at (863) 802-0777.

We Appreciate Red Ribbon Challenge Title Sponsor - Publix Super Markets!

 

Special Thanks to 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Sponsors & Supporters!

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Celebrated in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Until October 31st

 

Exercising for at least 30 minutes 4 times a week has many advantages. For example: it can make you feel better, reduce risk of chronic disease, strengthen muscles and bones, increase your energy levels, and so MANY other great benefits!

You have until October 31st to complete at least 15 fun challenges activities that are part of the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge - visit www.RedRibbonRun.com to join the fun and be eligible to win a special prize!

Refraining from Risky Behaviors leads to a Healthy Happy Life

 

It pays to embrace good habits! Research shows that when you eat right, sleep right, and exercise, your mind and body are more likely to function at their best. Avoiding ALL risky behaviors including but not limited to poor diet, use of drugs and alcohol, bad relationships, etc. can help increase school participation and improve health, relationships, mindset, and so many other benefits!

Learn more about healthy lifestyle choices by participating in the 2020 Red Ribbon Challenge - but hurry, this is the last week to complete at least 15 of the challenge activities and for students in grades K-8 to win a special prize! Visit www.RedRibbonRun.com today for more details

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Nets 1,640.6 lbs. of Medications

 

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back
Nets 1,640.6 lbs. of Medications

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event this past Saturday, October 24^th for Polk County residents to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication. 

Polk County agencies collected an estimated 1,640.6 lbs. of pharmaceuticals that were safely disposed of via incineration. The drop-off sites that participated in the Medication Take Back included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department. 

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 22,296.6 lbs. of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s six permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation in Lakeland, 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).  Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes – no liquids or syringes. Do not dispose of medication in the toilet to avoid harming lakes and ground water. 

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.

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week: October 23 - October 31

 

Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It began as a tribute to fallen DEA special agent Enrique Camerena in 1985. Red Ribbon Week is the nation's largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.

InnerAct Alliance and Publix Super Markets are proud to continue our community's Red Ribbon tradition with the 2020 Red Ribbon Challenge to support prevention of substance abuse and bullying.

There's still time to sign up and take part in fun weekly challenge activities that include Nutrition, Healthy Mind/Body, Kindness & Intolerance, Help Save The Planet, and Healthy Lifestyle. Kids in grades K-8 can register FREE at www.RedRibbonRun.com, complete 15 challenges, and post a picture or description of completed activities on the Red Ribbon Facebook page with the hashtag #redribbonchallenge for a chance to earn points and win a special prize. Anyone may register (free) and take part in the Red Ribbon Challenge; however, prizes will not be available to older students, adults, or non-registered participants. 

The Challenge ends on October 31, so register today to join the fun!

National Medication Take Back Day This Saturday, October 24 from 10AM-2PM

 

NATIONAL MEDICATION TAKE BACK DAY THIS SATURDAY!

If you have unwanted human or pet medication taking up space in your home, here's a chance to dispose of it safely this Saturday, October 24th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at one of the 8 local Police Department locations listed above. 

Call StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777 for more information!

Have You Seen the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge TV Commercial?

 

InnerAct Alliance Office Building Featured in Historic Dixieland Neighborhood Association’s Century Home Project

 

InnerAct Alliance Office Building Featured in
Historic Dixieland Neighborhood Association’s 

Century Home Project 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to learn that our office building, located at 621 South Florida Avenue, in Lakeland, will be featured in the Historic Dixieland Neighborhood Association’s Century Home Project, a new endeavor to commemorate homes in the Dixieland Historic District that have been built 100 or more years ago.

The origins of this two-story building, located on the NW corner of South Florida Avenue and W. Palmetto Street, date back to 1919-1920. It has served as “home base” for InnerAct Alliance, the nonprofit substance abuse prevention agency formerly known as the Drug Prevention Resource Center, since 2001. According to the letter of designation received from Jason Hagerman, secretary of the Dixieland Neighborhood Association, a solid cast bronze marker will be presented to InnerAct Alliance to proudly display on the exterior of the property to mark the Century Homes designation.

“Our board of directors and staff are excited for our office building to be named among the first group of Century Homes to receive this special commemoration,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance, “We look forward to displaying the bronze plaque proudly!”

For information, please contact Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance Executive Director at (863) 802-0777 or visit the Dixieland Neighborhood Association’s website www.historicdixieland.com/centuryhomes for further details about the project.

Wear Orange This Wednesday, October 21st to Support Prevention of Childhood Bullying

 

Wear Orange This Wednesday, October 21st
to Support Prevention of Childhood Bullying

In addition to October being National Red Ribbon Month, it is also National Bullying Prevention Month. Join us in celebrating UNITY DAY on Wednesday, October 21st by wearing the color orange to share a powerful message that we are together against childhood bullying and united in hope and support for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.  

Bullying is a form of aggression in which someone intentionally mistreats another person. It can come in many forms: verbal, relational aggression, cyber, and prejudicial. 

We all have the power to address and discourage bullying of every kind. Be aware of the words you use and the actions you take. Practice being kind and tolerant of those you meet. Make sure anything you say in person or write online is kind. If you witness bullying, speak up to stop the bullying before it begins.

Kindness & Tolerance is one of the themes featured in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge weekly activities presented by InnerAct Alliance and Publix Super Markets. Students in grades K-8 can register free at www.RedRibbonRun.com, complete at least 15 challenges by October 31, 2020, and post completed activities on the Red Ribbon Run Facebook page with the hashtag #redribbonchallenge for a chance to earn points and win a special prize. Anyone may register (free) and take part in the Red Ribbon Challenge; however, prizes will not be available for older students, adults, or non-registered participants. 

For resources and information about National Bullying Prevention Month, visit www.pacer.org/bullying and there’s still time to register and take part in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge at www.RedRibbonRun.com

Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge: Don't Let This Challenge Pass You By!

 

Looking for some Family Fun this weekend? There's still plenty of time left to register & participate in the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge! Registration is quick and easy at the event website www.RedRibbonRun.com and best of all, it's FREE. Children in grades K-8 can complete at least 15 challenge activities to win a special prize. The Challenge ends on October 31st, so come join in on the fun!

Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Week 3 - Kindness & Tolerance

 

In A World Where You Can Be Anything - Be Kind!

It is important to be kind because it makes you feel good about yourself.
Doing things for other people just makes you feel warm that you accomplished something. 

Kindness is about give & take - a bit like respect. If you want respect you must give respect.

When you see someone being unkind, speak up! 

We need to be kind to ourselves and also to others.

Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Week 3 - Kindness & Tolerance

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 3: 

Kindness & Tolerance 

October 11 - October 17

The theme of Red Ribbon Challenge Week Three is Kindness & Tolerance to remind us that you never know what someone may be going through. Maybe they’re having a bad day and your simple act of kindness turned their entire day around and made it better! This week try to do one random act of kindness each day! 

Join us for the Red Ribbon Challenge at www.RedRibbonRun.com and register for FREE to participate in our fun challenge activities through October 31, 2020 in celebration of Red Ribbon Month!

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans have misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication. 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day will include the following 8 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications in liquid and solid form, vitamins, and syringes for proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag. 

 

Drop-off locations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm are:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

 

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.

 

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 20,656 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. 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 on the local Prescription Drug Take-Back event, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Saturday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day

 

Saturday, October 10^th is World Mental Health Day

Each year on October 10th, the World Health Organization encourages people across the globe to recognize World Mental Health Day. In 2020, the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest from other sources has heightened collective stress. In the midst of this uncertainty, World Mental Health Day's goal of raising awareness of the availability and benefits of mental health support offers a path toward relief. Seeking support is important for overall health and well-being - so reach out and know that you are not alone!

Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Week 2 - Healthy Mind = Healthy Body

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week Two
Healthy Mind = Healthy Body
October 4 - October 10

The theme of Red Ribbon Challenge Week Two is Healthy Mind = Healthy Body to remind us all that Mental Health is a very important component in overall health and well-being! Remember to stop and take a moment for yourself each day to de-stress. You can't take care of others if you are not okay.

Join us for the Red Ribbon Challenge at www.RedRibbonRun.com and register for FREE to participate in our fun challenge activities through October 31, 2020 in celebration of Red Ribbon Month!

October is Safe Sleep & SIDS Awareness Month

 

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month and SIDS Awareness Month. In order to help reduce preventable sleep-related deaths in infants less than 1-year of age, Florida Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties is sharing the following valuable information to our community.

Sleep-related deaths are 100% preventable and consistently one of the leading causes of death in children under 1 in Polk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep only on their back for every sleep by every caregiver until the child is one year of age. Infants should be placed alone in their crib and on their backs. There should be no bumpers, pillows, loose bedding, or other soft surfaces, such as stuffed animals, in the crib with the infant.

Caregivers responsible for the infant should never be under the influence of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. Also, caregivers should never share beds with the infant.

Polk County recognizes that this is a serious, but preventable issue. Together we can ensure all caregivers have access to education and resources on safe sleep practices. For more information, please visit the Florida Healthy Start website at www.healthystarthhp.org

People with Substance Abuse Disorders More Susceptible to COVID-19 and Its Complications

 

People with Substance Abuse Disorders

More Susceptible to COVID-19 and Its Complications

People with substance use disorders (SUDs) may be more likely to become infected and die of COVID-19, according to recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The effect was strongest for those with opioid use disorder and tobacco addiction because their lungs and cardiovascular system may already be severely compromised due to substance abuse.

Drug use hinders the body’s ability to fight viral and bacterial infections, disrupting immune function. Study co-author, Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, explained, “Opioids, including but not limited to heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl, work by slowing down the breathing rate. In addition, the chronic use of drugs such as tobacco, cocaine, and opioids are associated with heart problems, including risk for heart attacks and heart failure. The combination of the two leads to the increased risk of COVID and its complications.” 

Celebrate the Positives in Polk Youth Culture!

 

Celebrate the Positives in Polk Youth Culture!

UthMpact has taken an active role to "normalize" perceptions regarding risky behaviors by developing a social norm marketing campaign to share "UthMpact Facts". This powerful peer to peer approach is based on statistics among Polk County youth and published in the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS). "UthMpact Facts" shares the reality the most Polk Teens are making the Right Choices by choosing NOT to drink, smoke, or use substances. This can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts.

2020 Red Ribbon Challenge - Can YOU Complete All the Challenges?

 

Join Us for the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge
Can YOU Complete All the Challenges?

Registration is FREE at www.RedRibbonRun.com

Here's all you need to do:

1) Go to www.RedRibbonRun.com and click on the Registration Tab

2) Create a RunSignUp account

3) You will update your profile each week as you complete your challenges

4) Post your challenges on your Facebook page and use the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenge to receive more points

5) Participants will be eligible to earn a prize if they complete at least 15 of the challenge activities. Prize(s) will be distributed after Winter Break to participants in grades K-8 who have officially registered and completed 15 or more challenges.

Nutrition plays a huge part in staying healthy!

 

Nutrition plays a huge part in staying healthy!

Nutrition helps increase energy, decrease risk of disease, and lowers blood pressure among so many other health benefits. Make sure you fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try to add either a fruit or veggie with each meal!

Today is Family Day & Day 1 of InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Challenge!

Today is Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children, part of a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. It is also the First Day of the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge, presented by InnerAct Alliance and our Title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, Inc. The goal of these initiatives is to raise awareness for prevention and help build drug-free youth and families.

We are happy to share an informative new video from the Drug Free America Foundation that highlights protective factors and what adults can do to help prevent youth from using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It helps illustrate the many benefits of eating dinner and spending time together as a family and serves as an important reminder that family involvement can help reduce the early onset of engaging in risky behaviors.

Studies show that protective factors and knowing how to build strong healthy families can help prevent youth from experiencing adverse childhood experiences and initiating into substance abuse.

For more helpful information and resources, please visit https://www.dfaf.org/ and be sure to register FREE to take part in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge at https://www.redribbonrun.com/ 

2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Weekly Challenges

 

2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge

 Weekly Challenges

We are excited to announce our Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge! Although we are not able to host an in-person event this year because of COVID-19, we are very excited for our new Red Ribbon virtual activities that begin on September 28 and continue during October. Join us each week for new challenges. EVERYONE can join in the fun - mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and even your pets! Register FREE on the event website www.RedRibbonRun.com and be sure to post your completed challenges each week with the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenge and you may be featured on the Red Ribbon Facebook page. Have fun!

2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge Event Dates: September 28 – October 31, 2020

 

2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge
Event Dates: September 28 – October 31, 2020

The Annual Red Ribbon Campaign is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs prevention awareness effort celebrated during the month of October to encourage healthy life choices. InnerAct Alliance and Title Sponsor, Publix Super Markets, in Lakeland, Florida, are proud to continue our community’s Red Ribbon tradition by presenting the 2020 Red Ribbon Challenge to support prevention of substance abuse and bullying. The event, which will be held virtually this year due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, kicks off on September 28th with Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children and ends on October 31st. 

Children in grades K-8 can register for free on the event website RedRibbonRun.com, complete fun weekly challenge activities at home with family and friends, and post their challenge activities on the Red Ribbon Run Facebook page with the hashtag #redribbonchallenge for a chance to earn points and win a special prize. Anyone may register (free) and take part in the Red Ribbon Challenge activities; however, prizes will not be available for older students, adults, or non-registered participants. Challenges are based on elements of healthy living and a different activity will be featured each week during October with themes of Nutrition, Healthy Mind/Healthy Body, Kindness & Tolerance, Help Save The Planet, and Healthy Lifestyle. 

Statistics show that families who eat dinner and participate in activities together benefit in a variety of ways. Eating family meals and spending time together can help build stronger relationships and foster more effective communication. Children tend to be better students and become more well-adjusted teens so they may be less likely to abuse drugs. 

For registration and information on the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge, please visit the event website at RedRibbonRun.com or call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Registration is Now Open to Participate in the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge

 

The InnerAct Alliance Board of Directors Challenges YOU to participate in the Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge activities each week! Share your photos by using the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenge and you may be featured on our Red Ribbon Facebook page! 

The 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual  Challenge offers a series of activities to be completed over a 5-week period. Weekly challenges are based on elements of healthy living and ways to live your best life.

The Challenge kicks off on September 28th with Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children and ends on October 31st. A different health-oriented challenge activity will be featured each week during the month of October with themes of Nutrition, Healthy Mind/Healthy Body, Kindness & Tolerance, Help Save The Planet, and Healthy Lifestyle. 

Students in Grades K-8 can register for FREE on the event website www.RedRibbonRun.com and complete at least 15 challenges by October 31, 2020 to be eligible to earn a special prize. Anyone is welcome to register for free and participate in challenge activities, however prizes will not be available for older students, adults, or non-registered participants.

If you would like to be featured on our Red Ribbon Run Facebook page, please post a picture or description of your completed Red Ribbon Challenge activities and be sure to include the hashtag #redribbonchallenge 

Prizes for registered participants in Grades K-8 who have completed at least 15 challenges by 10/31/20 will be distributed after Winter Break. Come join us for lots of healthy family fun! 

Celebrate Family Day™ - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on September 28, 2020

 

InnerAct Alliance and its coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are proud to join in the national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. We encourage everyone to participate in Family Day™ – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children next Monday, September 28, 2020.

Family Day began in 2001 as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to help kids grow up safe, healthy, and drug free. Research from The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they will be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances. To sign the family day pledge and find helpful tips to talk with your children, please visit www.informedfamilies.org.

Another way to celebrate healthy living without harmful drugs is by participating in the 2020 Red Ribbon Virtual Challenge presented by InnerAct Alliance and Title Sponsor, Publix Super Markets, Inc. 

The Red Ribbon Challenge will kick off on September 28 and continue during the month of October with virtual weekly challenge activities featuring themes of: Nutrition, Healthy Mind/Healthy Body, Kindness & Tolerance, Help Save The Planet, and Healthy Lifestyle. Children in grades K-8 can register for FREE and complete the challenges with family members and friends, post pictures of their activities, and earn cool prizes!

Additional information and online registration for the Red Ribbon Challenge can be found at: www.RedRibbonRun.com 

Tips for Self-Care While Practicing Physical Distancing

 

How to Care for Yourself While
Practicing Physical Distancing

If you are feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted because of changes to our society brought on by COVID-19, you’re not alone. The pandemic has impacted millions of Americans physically, mentally and emotionally.

People across the country are experiencing increased levels of stress and fear because of the new disease as well as feelings of isolation brought on by physical distancing. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation says 45% of adults report feelings of worry and stress related to COVID-19 that have negatively impacted their mental health. Feelings of anxiety are becoming more common as people are worried about themselves or their loved ones getting sick.

The Mental Health First Aid Blog (www.mhfa.org) offers these easy self-care strategies to help reduce feelings of depression and prevent anxiety while social distancing:

1.    Eat healthfully to keep your body in top working order.

2.    Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, whether we’re working out at home or taking a solo jog around the neighborhood.

3.    Practice relaxation therapy. Focusing on tensing and relaxing muscle groups can help you relax voluntarily when feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.

4.    Let light in. Increased exposure to light can improve symptoms of depression. If you can, open the shades and let more sunlight in.

5.    Be kind to yourself! Treat yourself with the same compassion you would a friend.

6.    Stay connected. Even if you can’t get together face-to-face, you can stay connected to friends, family and neighbors with phone calls, text messages, video chats and social media. If you’re feeling lonely, sad or anxious, reach out to your social support networks. Share what you are feeling and offer to listen to friends or family members about their feelings. We are all experiencing this scary and uncertain time together.

7.    Monitor media consumption. While you might want to stay up-to the minute with COVID-19 news, too much exposure can be overwhelming. Balance media consumption with other activities you enjoy, such as reading, cooking or listening to music.