Inspiration for a Happy, Healthy Life

 

What's a better inspiration for a happy, healthy life than this?...Decide what kind of life you really want, then say no to everything that isn't that! And this can apply to anyone at any time in their life.

It really does begin with YOU. In order to change or transform anything in life, you have to decide what it is that you want, what direction you wish to head in, or where you'd like to end up. Often, we don't do this and we lose track or let something sway us off-track.

Be guided by your own intuitive knowing. You know what is best for you, what feels good. Stay connected with your goals and don't let anything - especially alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs - get in the way of living your best life and achieving your dreams!

Additional Project HOCO Shopping Day This Saturday Nov. 15

 

If you missed an opportunity to shop for FREE formal wear, Project HOCO has you covered! UthMpact is adding one more Student Shopping Day for teens to shop for formal wear this Saturday, November 15, from 11:00am to 1:00pm, at the Project Prom Store located in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U. S. Highway 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes).

Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Prom and Homecoming celebrations and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! Over 6,000 prom and homecoming ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Community members may support the Project Prom and Project Homecoming efforts by donating gently-worn dresses, shoes, men's suits, ties, and accessories - anything to help complete the perfect look! Especially needed are ladies plus sizes (size 18+) and smaller size dresses (size 0-4), along with men's wear in smaller sizes. Your donations can help make someone's special night even more memorable!

Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on November 15 or at the InnerAct Alliance office, located at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes. 

UthMpact's goal is to promote fun and safe Prom and Homecoming seasons. 

Reach out to Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uthmpact/

Empower Prevention on Giving Tuesday – December 2

 

Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday on December 2.📅This year, Giving Tuesday means even more as InnerAct Alliance celebrates 40 years of building drug-free communities across Central Florida. This global day of generosity kicks off the charitable season and we're asking you to please consider InnerAct Alliance as you plan your year-end giving.✍

Why Your Support Matters:

*Free prevention education reaches thousands of students across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties

*UthMpact teens become prevention champions, influencing their peers from within

*Evidence-based programs work - 87% of Polk students reject marijuana - 88% say no to vaping

*Every dollar invested saves our community $7 in treatments costs

3 Ways to Give:

*Make a one-time gift of $40 to honor IAA's 40th anniversary

*Become a monthly donor for year-round support

*Plan your year-end giving on Giving Tuesday

Join the global movement of generosity on Dec. 2 and help us enter our 5th decade with momentum

*Donate: https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

*Text IAA to 26989

*Learn more: www.inneractalliance.org

 
Thank You!

Show Appreciation for Our Veterans

 

Today is Veterans Day - a day set aside to honor all who have served honorably in the United States military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all who served, not only those who have died, have sacrificed and done their duty. 

Each year on November 11, Americans come together to celebrate Veterans Day with parades and other special gatherings to publicly thank veterans who have served in war or peace. Today, there are more than 23 million veterans across the U.S. We thank and appreciate all our Veterans for their courage, service, and bravery!

Try Being on Your Own Side

 

Being on Your Own Side is all about giving up on the inner critic that turns you against yourself and spreads negativity. Instead, try to focus on positive thoughts that help you be yourself, trust in your abilities, and support your endeavors - not only in actions but also in thought and spirit. 🍂

Starting today, try shifting your mindset to let go of the judgment that holds you back. Take satisfaction from the hard work you do instead of focusing on things that you have not yet accomplished.

We wish you the courage to Be Who You Are! For today, be on your own side and know that you are AWESOME!💛

Fall Into a Self-Care Habit this November

 

November is a great time to "fall" into the habit of making time for supportive self-care to rejuvenate your own health and well-being! With the busy holidays coming up, it may sometimes feel like it's impossible to take time for yourself, but in order to do for our families and others, we must nourish our own mind, body, and soul too!

Research suggests that regular self-care promotes positive health outcomes such as fostering resilience and becoming better equipped to manage stress. Even small acts of self-care in our daily lives can play a role in reinforcing the belief that our own needs are valid and should be a priority. 

We hope you'll feel inspired by the simple suggestions in this colorful graphic from @Positively Present that paints a visual of good intentions. It reminds us to take the time to pause and do something that makes you happy - start this weekend with a focus on seeking out comfort🥤, unlocking your own potential,🔐, letting pieces fall into place 🧩, and appreciating how you've survived! 💪

🍂 We wish you the best November! 🍂

Good Social Skills Help Children Become Successful Adults

 

A study of 800 children conducted over a period of 20 years from kindergarten through age mid-20's found that those who learned social skills of helpfulness and caring at an early age were more likely to have achieved success by early adulthood. Youngsters who had problems resolving conflicts, sharing, cooperating, and listening were less likely to have completed high school or college, and more likely to have problems with substance abuse. 

Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the study highlights the connection between brain health and a person's overall health. Researchers found that success in school involved both social-emotional and cognitive learning. When children learn to interact effectively with peers and how to control their emotions, it can impact how their adult lives take shape. Study: http://www.upworthy.com/researchers-studied-kindergarteners-behavior-and-followed-up-19-years-later-here-are-the-findings

InnerAct Alliance offers best practice prevention education programs like Keep A Clear Mind, Too Good for Drugs, Project ALERT, and social norms to students in Polk County Schools to help positively influence students' attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions regarding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other substance use and risky behaviors. 

Our agency also offers a fun program for younger children that features instruction by a humane educator using age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities to encourage healthy ways to show kindness, interact with peers, and promote animal welfare. Learn more about our FREE education programs by calling InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Healthy Brain Habits

 

Your brain shapes every aspect of your life - from decision-making to memory, emotional well-being and problem-solving. The brain is our most valuable asset, so nurturing it with healthy habits will pay dividends for years to come.🧠

It's never too early or too late to adopt brain-healthy habits. Cognitive health is a lifelong process and small changes made in childhood, adulthood, or even later years can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Alcohol and smoking have harmful effects on brain health. 🚭🍷Alcohol consumption is known to cause several brain anomalies. Heavy alcohol use reduces brain volume and impairs cognitive function, increasing the risk of dementia and stroke. Smoking contributes to oxidative stress, damaging brain cells, and accelerating cognitive decline. Avoiding these substances protects brain structure, enhances cognitive longevity, and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

With the right lifestyle choices, you're not just adding years to your life - you're adding life to your years. Your brain will thank you!

InnerAct Alliance Holiday Open House – December 9

 

InnerAct Alliance invites the community to attend a Holiday Open House celebrating the agency's 40th Ruby Anniversary and our newly renovated office on Tuesday afternoon, December 9, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The location is 621 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland. Please drop by to help us celebrate this special milestone and the holiday season while supporting substance abuse prevention and healthy choices for youth, families, and everyone in our community!

For four decades, we have chosen prevention over intervention, positivity over scare tactics, and community investment over crisis management. The results speak for themselves in the thousands of students who have grown up making healthy choices because someone believed prevention could work.

If your means allow, please consider helping to empower the next 40 years of positive change - any gift, no matter the size, demonstrates that our community values prevention, supports young leaders, and believes in the power of positive peer pressure. 

To donate & get involved, visit 

https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

or text IAA to 26989

Dangerous Trend: Young Children Now Vaping

 

While we know that vaping has been prevalent in middle schools and high schools for almost a decade, some school district leaders in Florida are finding that there's a growing concern about vaping use in elementary schools where students as young as 4th and 5th grade are being found with vapes.

This alarming trend is traced to popular social media outlets like Tik-Tok and Instagram, where vaping is made to look appealing by companies who use strategic marketing tactics like sleek packaging and social media influencers to entice young people. In addition, the tobacco industry uses product placement of e-cigarettes and vaping products on tv shows and in movies where children can easily see and become curious to try them. Parents often are not aware of this issue until after their child has been caught on campus. It can be an eye-opening experience.

In 2024, more than 40% of high school e-cigarette users reported using vapes at least 20 days a month. Nearly 30% reported vaping every day. Almost 90% of youth e-cigarette users reported using flavored products with fruit, candy, dessert, mint, and menthol reported as the most popular flavors. 

Florida is involved in several efforts to keep vaping products out of the hands of children. Earlier this year, the state securing a $79 million settlement with Juul to resolve a lawsuit regarding its past marketing practices that targeted underage users.

Parents - prevention begins with education and communication so talk with your kids early and often. Before they even think about vaping, help them to learn about the facts and potential risks because knowledge is power! 💪

  
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html

Reminder: It’s Fall Back Weekend

 

Happy November! 🍂 Tonight is when the clocks "fall back" an hour and we gain an extra hour of sleep! ⏰

A little bit of history - daylight savings time became law in the U.S. in 1918 as a way to maximize daylight hours and save energy during WWI. Many states have tried to repeal this law, but Hawaii and Arizona are the only two states that do not participate in daylight savings time, in addition to the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 

Here in Florida - remember to roll back your clocks an hour this weekend. This goes into effect officially on Sunday morning, November 2 at 2am, but most folks set their clocks back one-hour before going to bed tonight, Saturday, November 1. With the time change, it will be dark earlier in the evening.

Recommendations to adjust😪 - some people, especially young children, can be thrown off by the time change. When clocks fall back, experts recommend that we take steps to increase exposure to sunlight during the daytime, especially in the morning, and also limit intake of alcohol and caffeine.

Be Safe, Have Fun & Keep in Mind Halloween is for Kids of All Ages!

 

Fun Activities at Schools During Red Ribbon Week

 

Red Ribbon Week, celebrated each year from October 23 to October 31, has become our nation's largest drug prevention campaign highlighting a message that substance abuse prevention saves lives.

InnerAct Alliance's prevention specialists bring this important prevention message to students in classrooms throughout Polk County each year. Lessons are age and grade appropriate and our teachers make activities engaging and fun.

Don't you love the cool activity pictured above that IAA's teachers helped students create at participating elementary schools to celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Students had an opportunity to sign a handprint cutout that says, "I pledge to be drug-free." Then, the signed handprint pledges were affixed to an oversized Red Ribbon hung in the hallway at their school as a daily reminder that together our actions create a powerful message showing that a drug-free future is possible for every young person!

Tricks & Treats in Our Community!

 

InnerAct Alliance's Amy T. and Tammy C. shared Halloween fun at a family-friendly Trunk or Treat community event last evening at the George Harris Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, presented by Youth and Family Advocates. Congrats to our amazing prevention outreach duo for winning 1st Place for their "Halloween Twister Treats" game! 🧡

Kids of all ages had an opportunity to "twist" the spinner and win a tasty treat from InnerAct Alliance. Event attendees were also treated to free popcorn, cotton candy, games, and had an opportunity to learn about many helpful resources available in our community.

IAA is proud to support community events and initiatives that promote healthy, drug-free living. If your organization would like to invite our prevention outreach team to your event, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Create Your Own Positivity Potion

 

In the spirit of the Halloween and autumn seasons, what could be more beneficial than stirring up a positivity potion that contains all of the goods from a pinch of luck to a sprinkle of acceptance, along with a hint of gratitude. 🎕

Indeed, a positive mindset is a powerful thing - it can significantly improve both mental and physical health, boost resilience, and enhance problem-solving skills. It can lead to better coping mechanisms for stress and adversity and foster a more optimistic outlook when facing challenges. It's a mindset that can help you handle whatever comes your way. 💪

Thanks to our talented friends @PositivelyPresent for encouraging positive energy! 🧡

Happy Faces & Healthy Choices at the 2025 Red Ribbon Run!

 

Thank you to the thousands of participants, sponsors, vendors, spectators, law enforcement, staff and volunteers who enjoyed healthy fun at the 2025 Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, along with other local business sponsors and community supporters, this past Saturday morning, October 25 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Each year, this family-friendly event highlights positive choices without substance use and other risky behaviors.

Over 1,400 student runners in grades K-8 participated in the Kids Fun Run timed race heats, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and over 300 families ran or walked together in the untimed Family Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Participants also enjoyed healthy snacks, fitness activities, and festive entertainment at the World Tour vendor area during the event. 

The Annual Red Ribbon Run culminated one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state to support the prevention of substance abuse and bullying in our community. And this year, we also celebrated InnerAct Alliance's 40th Ruby Anniversary! For additional details and event information, please contact InnerAct Alliance's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777.

Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results - Saturday, October 25

Kindergarten Girls
1st - Juno J.
2nd - Maven Z.
3rd - Jocelyn F. and Camila V.

Kindergarten Boys
1st - Jago J.
2nd - Ahziyah L.
3rd - Callen P.

First Grade Girls
1st - Cora M.
2nd - Treasure P.
3rd - Lilly J.

First Grade Boys
1st - Cameron W.
2nd - Isaac B.
3rd - Myers K.

Second Grade Girls
1st - Gianna L.
2nd - Analien A.
3rd - Holland C.

Second Grade Boys
1st - Brooks V.
2nd - Troy P.
3rd - Giorgio K. and Cayden C.

Third Grade Girls
1st - Nelissa C.
2nd - Rylin R.
3rd - Alexia A.

Third Grade Boys
1st - Sebastian H.
2nd - Caleb M.
3rd - Trey S. and Rory K.

Fourth Grade Girls
1st - Lydia T.
2nd - Noa H.
3rd - Madison B. and Harper F.

Fourth Grade Boys
1st - Benjamin B.
2nd - Owen P.
3rd - Lucas A.

Fifth Grade Girls
1st - Elle H.
2nd - Alexandra P.
3rd - Kamryn R.

Fifth Grade Boys
1st - Mason R.
2nd - Austin L.
3rd - Wesley D.

Middle School Girls
1st - Haidyn B.
2nd - Mikayla S.
3rd - Hannah C. 

Middle School Boys
1st - Robert D.
2nd - Luke P.
3rd - Callum P.

🎀 Congratulations to 🎀

Elementary School with Highest Participation

1st place - Valleyview Elementary
2nd place - Highlands Grove Elementary
3rd place - Brigham Academy

Middle School with Highest Participation

Lakeland Highlands Middle

Private/Small School with Highest Participation

Magnolia Montessori Academy

Mutual Family Trust is a Valued Protective Factor

 

Communication between parents and children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is more important than ever with substances becoming more dangerous, appealing, addictive, and easier to conceal. Kids are much less likely to use drugs and alcohol when they have two-way ongoing conversations with their parents about the risk of substance use. Remind them early and often about your family expectations - it means more to them than you may realize! 👪

Research shows that the most influential ages are 9-13. After that, teens tend to be more peer influenced but parents can still provide a solid foundation. Prevention statistics prove that safety factors also increase when students have prevention instruction in their schools as well!

Parents, you've got this! 💪 Let's be our children's most trusted source of information, guidance, and support on these complicated life issues by fostering ongoing dialogue and continuing to build mutual lifelong trust between kids of all ages and the adults who care about them!

We Appreciate Our 2025 Red Ribbon Run Sponsors & Volunteers

 

Free Online Registration for K-8 Students Ends Tonight

Just 1 More Day 'til the Red Ribbon Run

Saturday, October 25

Lake Mirror in Lakeland

FREE Online Registration for Students in Grade K-8 ends tonight Friday Oct. 24

Registration on Saturday, Oct. 25 will be $5

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

Come Join Us to Run the World

Just 2 Days Left to Register FREE for the Red Ribbon Run

 

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

🎀 Join Us to Run the World! 🎀

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

 

Studies show that medications in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to support the DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration's Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25 in partnership with participating law enforcement locations in Polk County.

Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. We are committed to helping families safely dispose of unused or expired medications and keep our communities healthy and drug-free! 💊

Happy Red Ribbon Week: October 23 – 31

 

Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, is celebrated each year from October 23 to October 31. It has become the nation's largest drug-use prevention message campaign. 

Red Ribbon began with DEA Agent Kiki Camarena's ultimate sacrifice in 1985 - the same year InnerAct Alliance started serving Central Florida. For 40 years, we've honored his legacy by proving prevention works through positive action, not just remembrance. We join other communities across the country to wear red and display red ribbons to raise awareness and take a stand for healthy, drug-free living.

Fast Facts

*90% of Americans with addiction started using substances before age 18

*1-in-4 Americans who began using substances before age 18 experience addiction

*Parents are the #1 influence on a child's decision to remain drug free

How Can You Get Involved?

*wear red, hang a red ribbon on your door to show support
*talk to the youth in your life about making healthy choices
*share resources about healthy lifestyle choices on social media
*host or join a Red Ribbon Week event in your school or community

How Can You Participate in our local Red Ribbon Run?

*register your kids & family to participate in the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, Oct. 25 at Lake Mirror
*K-8 Students register FREE by midnight Friday, Oct. 24 for the Kids Fun Run or $5 day of the event
*adults can run with their children in the Family Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25 - registration fee $5

Register

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

Why It Matters

*youth who avoid early use are less likely to develop addiction later in life
*campaign like Red Ribbon Week promote positive community norms
*even one caring adult can make a difference in a young person's future
*the majority of youth choose to stay drug-free
*prevention education helps to create environments where young people thrive

Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that prevention saves lives. Together, our actions send a powerful message that a drug-free future is possible for every young person!

Ease Anxiety with a Calm Mind

 

These days everyone is juggling many responsibilities. Teens especially may find themselves having to balance schoolwork, exams, duties at home, drama with friends. Add in after-school sports, clubs, a part-time job, and that's a lot on their plates. It's no wonder our youth feel a little stressed and overwhelmed now and then.😓

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges among teens. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 1-in-3 teens has an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. 

If life in general has you feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out "Calm Minds: A Guide to Easing Anxiety" to learn the difference between stress, worry, and anxiety. This is a great resource for youth to learn practical tips on how to manage stress, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthy habits. 

Read more at:

https://www.wethinktwice.acf.hhs.gov/calm-minds-guide-easing-anxiety? 

Week 4 Red Ribbon Challenge – Invest in Yourself & Your Future

 

Our final Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 (October 20-26) sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, challenges you to learn more about yourself, your family, and other people, places, and cultures by Investing in Yourself & In Your Future - it's a valuable way to expand our horizons and increase knowledge!

Suggested fun activities for this week include researching family roots to view photos, watch videos, and learn more about where our ancestors come from. Take it one step further to explore traditions of other countries to learn about different food, dances, and celebrations.

It's also a good habit to start saving money - research new places to travel on a family vacation or travel virtually on your laptop or iPad. Create a travel poster or brochure for inspiration!

Another great way to invest in yourself is to eat right and exercise. You're invited to "Run the World" at the Red Ribbon Run this Saturday morning, October 25, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can pre-register FREE before 10/25 to participate in the Kids Fun Run ($5 fee on event day) - Adults pay $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run. After the Run Heats, visit the World Tour Vendor area for healthy snacks, activities, and entertainment. 

Register to Participate

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

🎀Register for the Kids Fun Run🎀
https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599 

Clean Out the Family Medicine Cabinet for DEA’s Prescription Take-Back Day

 

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 next weekend on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. 

Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. Discarding medication by flushing or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for abuse and offers a convenient, responsible means of disposal.

Our community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following Polk County locations (pending confirmation of participation) for citizens to turn in Human and Pet prescription and over-the-counter medications in liquid and solid form, as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices with batteries removed. Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.
Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Highway 27
Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.
Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave.
Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.
Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW

Medication 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). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes). 

For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Countdown to the Red Ribbon Run Saturday, Oct 25

 

For over 30 years, families have gathered at Lake Mirror Promenade every October to run, walk, and celebrate drug-free, healthy choices together. This isn't just our biggest event, it's become a Lakeland tradition where three generations often participate side by side!

What makes this year's Red Ribbon Run special:

*FREE registration for K-8 students before 10/25
*Chip-timed Kids Fun Run race heats with trophies for top finishers
*Family Fun Run for Adults & Kids just $5 (not timed)
*World Tour Activities & Vendor Area celebrating healthy choices
*InnerAct Alliance is celebrating its 40th Anniversary

Whether you're 5 or 75, there's a place for you at the starting line at the Red Ribbon Run next weekend on Saturday morning, October 25th, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland! 

🎀 Register Today to Participate 🎀

https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run.html

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

What Is Harm Reduction?

 

Harm reduction can be described as any action taken that reduces risk and increases personal and public safety. The graphic above identifies some common methods to normalize the term "harm reduction" and help broaden the definition.

Most of us already practice harm reduction techniques to help prevent injury, disease, or other harm - for example washing hands to prevent spread of disease, wearing a seatbelt in the car or a helmet when riding a bike to keep us safe.

When it comes to harm reduction for alcohol and other substances, it is about being proactive to help reduce or lower risk. It is not limited to abstinence - it is best to support safe practices that can improve overall quality of life. For example, arranging for a designated driver is a responsible step to make roads safer and lower risk of a fatal alcohol-related accident. It can also involve medication to reduce cravings for substances or carrying Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an overdose.

Harm reduction matters because it offers ways to make positive changes to stay safer and healthier. The prevention experts at the Partnership to End Addiction provides tools, tips, and resources to help us learn how to increase safety, reduce risk, and support harm reduction in our families and in our communities.

https://drugfree.org/harm-reduction-resource-center/ 

10 DAYS until the Red Ribbon Run Saturday October 25

 

There's still time to register to participate in the 2025 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 25 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

For decades, our community has gathered for this incredible tradition and we can't wait to see you there with us! Whether you're a Red Ribbon veteran or this is your first time, you're in for a morning filled with joy, connection, and celebration of drug-free choices!

What's going on?

*Race Heats for K-8 Students - a chance for our young champions to shine! Timed race heats to win medals and trophies...or just run for fun!

*Family Fun Run - a chance for parents to run or walk with their kids! Non-timed race heats, perfect for all ages and fitness levels!

*Free Registration for Students in Grades K-8 before event day 10/25/25 - $5 on Saturday 10/25

*Parents pay $5 to run or walk with their kids in the Family Fun Run

Why This Matters: Data proves our approach works - most kids DON'T engage in risky behaviors because of community-wide prevention efforts like this! When you participate on October 25th, you show our youth that healthy choices are the norm - not the exception.

Your registration supports FREE prevention education programs that reach thousands of students across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties!

Register Today to Participate

https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run.html

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

What Do Teens Find Appealing About Vaping

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), today's youth report reasons they choose to vape as social influences like friends and siblings who vape; marketing that uses enticing flavors like candy and fruit; and a misconception that vaping is less harmful than other tobacco products. Other factors may include curiosity, peer pressure, and the highly addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes. Many also like the fact that vapes are discreet, easy to hide, and generally viewed as cool and relatively harmless.  

Vaping is made to look appealing by companies who use strategic marketing tactics like sleek packaging and social media influencers to entice young people. JUUL became a popular device by going straight to the source where youth spend most of their time and receive information - social media. Ads glamorized vaping by highlighting fruit and sweet-flavored vapes that cover the harsh taste of the chemicals in vapes and mask a sense that these products may be harmful.

Many vapes contain high doses of nicotine - the main addictive substance in all tobacco products. What may start as a social experiment can quickly become an addiction.🕱 The brain becomes accustomed to having nicotine, which is especially harmful to youth as the adolescent brain is still developing until about age 25. Nicotine is also known to adversely impact learning, memory, and attention...and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.🧠

Before your kids even think about vaping, help them learn the facts and potential risks - knowledge is power!💪 

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html

Have you seen the Red Ribbon Run TV Commercial on Spectrum TV?

 

Have you seen the Red Ribbon Run TV Commercial

running on Spectrum TV stations?

Register Today to Participate

https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run.html

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599