We Appreciate Our 2026 Red Ribbon Run Sponsors & Volunteers

 

SEE YOU AT THE RED RIBBON RUN TODAY AT LAKE MIRROR - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

 

Happy Red Ribbon Week - October 23 through October 31, 2026

 

InneAct Alliance and event title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, invite students and families to Run The World in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run this morning, Saturday, October 31st at beautiful Lake Mirror Promenade in Lakeland. 

Registration for the Red Ribbon KIDS FUN RUN on Event Day - Saturday, October 31 increases to $5.00 for K-8 students to participate in timed grade level heats for a chance to win trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade. Registration for K-8 Students had been FREE until Friday, October 30, 2026

Registration for the Red Ribbon FAMILY FUN RUN on Event Day - Saturday, October 31 increases to $20.00 for Parents & Adults to Run or Walk with their Children in the untimed FAMILY FUN RUN. 

After race heats, participants may visit the World Tour Vendor Area to enjoy healthy snacks, fun fitness activities, and entertainment celebrating cultures around the world. 

Visit the InnerAct Alliance Website

InnerAct Alliance Website https://www.inneractalliance.org/

 

What Can Be Sweeter Than Finding Additional Ways to Get Candy As a Trick or Treater?

 

Talk About a Sweet Deal to help kids score more treats at Halloween time! 🍬Even little Trick of Treaters under age 5 know the traditional practice of walking up to a neighbor's home to politely knock on the door and sweetly repeat the Halloween ask of "trick or treat" to be rewarded with candy, a yummy snack, small gifts, or toys!

These days, many kids and families also have opportunities to attend fun Halloween "trunk or treat" community events where children collect special candy and treats from folks who decorate their parked cars, trucks, or SUVs with festive Halloween decor and fill their open trunks with Halloween goodies that kids can have fun choosing to fill their festive bags or buckets instead of - or in addition to - walking door-to-door to homes in local neighborhoods!

InnerAct Alliance was thrilled to be invited to attend a free community "Trunk or Treat" event held at the George Harris Shelter in Bartow this past Tuesday evening, October 27. Two of our special Halloween Helpers, Amy T. and Tammy C. had a blast decorating their cars and handing out treats to attendees. It was a fun event for "kids" of all ages to enjoy. 

🧡👻Wishing You a Safe & Happy Halloween! 👻🧡

Please Assist InnerAct Alliance’s Prevention Efforts by Becoming a Volunteer

 

InnerAct Alliance organizes one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state of Florida each fall highlighted by the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular family participation event presented by InnerAct Alliance and our title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, to inspire individuals and families to achieve healthy drug-free lifestyle goals.

Success of the Red Ribbon Run depends on the efforts of Run participants, volunteers, business partners, and enthusiastic spectators. High School Students can earn community service hours working for the entire day on Saturday, October 31, 2026  at Lake Mirror Promenade in Lakeland. College Students,  Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations are encouraged to volunteer for an engaging bonding experience. Free breakfast and snacks are provided. 

Volunteer Opportunities Are Available Year-Round - Helping hands of volunteers of all ages are encouraged  throughout the year to help children, teens, and adults prepare for worthwhile programs that impact the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, and those in need with  prevention and anti-bullying messages.

Visit InnerAct Alliance's website

https://www.inneractalliance.org/ 

Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser. 

We are also just a phone call away at (863) 802-0777.

Tomorrow Is Your Chance to Discard Human & Pet Medications Safely in Polk County, Florida

 

The Power of Kindness

 

Showing kindness is shown to help us build social bonds, increase trust and acceptance in our relationships, and boost our overall happiness. Research findings on the benefits and strength of kindness have found that people who give to others in small and large ways tend to be happier.

Oxytocin is the stress-reducing chemical that is responsible for the positive effects of kindness. Gestures may include a smile, supportive hug, kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or even the smallest act of caring shown to a stranger. 😊

The truly amazing thing about kindness is that the more you give, the more you may receive in return. Kindness starts with YOU - it can also be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds! 🌻💛 

How to Practice Positivity and Keep Growing

 

It is said that to live a full life, we must continue to work on improving ourselves. It's easy to get stuck in our comfort zone, but to truly grow, we need to take steps towards improvement to help us reach our fullest potential. 👍

Personal growth is rooted in continuing to take steps to become a better person. It involves taking chances on doing things you love and have a passion for, rather than taking the easy way out. It's learning how to make the most of your life and living your life to the fullest to become the BEST version of yourself.

We can practice positivity by creating a personal growth plan - start with small steps like the suggestions in this festive pumpkin graphic 🧡 from our friends at @ Positively Present such as Seek out inner peace; Practice acts of patience; Master a new skill; and Open your mind to new ideas, plus more.

Don't be afraid to dream big...but take small steps along the way! 

Clean Out the Family Medicine Cabinet for DEA’s Prescription Take-Back Day This Saturday, Oct. 24

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 24, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. 💊 Discarding medication by flushing it 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, safe, and responsible means of disposal.

Our community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following (6) Polk County locations 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. Medication should be placed 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 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). Note: Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes).

Please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777 for more information.

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

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 is focused on the importance of Investing in Yourself & In Your Future. It's a great way to take time to learn about ourselves and other people, places, and cultures.

This can start with learning about your own family history. Sit down with your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles and ask them about where you come from. You will hear some funny and interesting family stories. You can also look at pictures in photo albums, watch family movies together, talk about favorite music, movies, or tv shows.

This may inspire you to set a goal to start saving money to take a family trip - maybe to visit cousins or other family members. This can teach you about how to save money and help you get to know family members better to enrich their lives and your own future as you grow up.👪

If you decide to save your money in the bank, please visit our good friends at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union who generously support our community and help present the Kids Fun Run each year - come say hello to them at the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 31 at Lake Mirror.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2026 Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges this month and...

Please Register to Participate in
the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 31 

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

34th Annual Red Ribbon Run Takes Place on Saturday, October 31, 2026

 

Coming up in just under two short weeks is the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular community event to prevent harm and promote health. InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, invite students and families to Run The World in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 31.

This year's Red Ribbon Run features healthy family fun with the Kids Fun Run, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland, along with Family Fun Run for parents and adults to run or walk with their children. Registration is NOW OPEN for students in grades K-8 to register FREE for the Kids Fun Run and participate in timed grade level heats for a chance to win trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade. Registration is FREE for K-8 students through October 30, and $5 on the day of the event. Parent and Adult registration is $15 for the untimed Family Fun Run until October 30, and $20 on the day of the event.

Check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 6:30am at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. K-8 Grade Heats begin at 8:30 am with the Family Run Run at 10:45 am (please note times are approximate)

Register today on the InnerAct Alliance website's special Red Ribbon Run tab at: 

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

Students must register by October 16 to be guaranteed a free Run T-Shirt. After race heats, participant may visit the World Tour vendor area to enjoy healthy snacks, fun fitness activities, and entertainment celebrating cultures around the world.

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run encourages healthy life choices and educates about the dangers of substance abuse, bullying, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Join us on Saturday, October 31 by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at the Red Ribbon Run and visit our Facebook page for more information on these fun family activities!"

InnerAct Alliance Website

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

InnerAct Alliance Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

🎀

2026 Red Ribbon Run Poster

 

One of our favorite traditions at InnerAct Alliance is to post the Annual Red Ribbon Run Poster on the IAA Blog Spot online page to encourage Polk students, friends, and families to register for the Red Ribbon Run's Kids Fun Run and Family Fun Run coming up quickly on Saturday morning, October 31 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland, Florida. 🎀

This is also an exciting opportunity to encourage students, friends, families, teachers, administrators, and classmates to compete against one another to complete Red Ribbon Weekly Challenge Activities online through October 25! 💪

🎀 Are you Ready?  Set? -   POST & COMPETE!  🎀

Thanks to the City of Lakeland for a Proclamation of October as National Red Ribbon Month

 

InnerAct Alliance sends our thanks and appreciation to Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley and the City of Lakeland Commission for honoring our agency with an

On hand to accept the Proclamation were IAA's executive director, Angie Ellison, Board Vice President, Captain Rian Shea of the Polk Sheriff's Office, and our Prevention Specialist, Tammy Coker. 🎀

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 3 – Healthy Mind/Healthy Body

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 3 is focused on the theme of Healthy Mind/Healthy Body and finding ways to Be Your Best You! The GOAL is to eat foods that are good for you and finding fun ways to stay physically active. When you feel your best, you are able to help others too.

Fun activities suggested to challenge you may be learning yoga, concentrating on breathing in & out to focus your mind and calm your body, and having fun moving around like your favorite animal such as jumping like a kangaroo 🦘 or slithering like a snake 🐍

You can create and build a fun obstacle course - make it a fun competition with family and friends to complete it. Remember to register to participate in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run!

Kids participate FREE in the
Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges

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

Register to Participate in the Red Ribbon Run -
Kids Fun Run or Family Fun Run - on Saturday, October 31 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

https://www.inneractalliance.org/  

Get Your Cool Homecoming Attire FREE on Saturday, October 10!

 

Have you been out exploring and pricing the popular trends and outfit ideas for Homecoming 2026? Project HOCO will be happy to help you shop for FREE Homecoming Attire on Saturday, October 10!

Come on down to the Project Prom Store tomorrow, from 11am to 4pm, at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes). Polk County Students with a Polk School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming season and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!  

Nearly 6,000 prom and homecoming ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

If you miss tomorrow's Shopping Day, there's one more opportunity to visit the Project Prom Store coming up next Saturday, October 17 - same time, same place! Happy Homecoming! 💜

Support Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

Everyone deserves a relationship built on respect, trust, and safety. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let's commit to listening without judgment, recognizing the warning signs, and sharing resources that can save a life.💜

Free confidential help is just a call or text away at The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text "START" to 88788.

Locally, Peace River Center is hosting a Domestic Violence symposium on October 29th, featuring an engaging author panel discussion including Dominica Betty and Harlow Kedzie, LCSW, followed by Q&A, a book signing, Beyond the Report Training, and more.

For more info and to register, contact Peace River Center at (863) 519-0575 or visit them on their website at https://www.peacerivercenter.org/

Substance Use Prevention Lives in Everyday Things

 

The teen and young adult years are confusing, complicated, and formative. Understanding what's happening socially and developmentally - and how it can intersect with substance use - is fundamental to setting the stage for healthier outcomes. 👪

Research shows that connection is one of the most powerful ways to lower the risk of substance use and mental health challenges. Families may not realize is, but there is prevention work in everyday interactions with their children, like supporting a sport they love, listening to their opinions, and asking genuine questions about their day.

Showing up with curiosity and without judgment lays the foundation for connection and open communication with a loved one. 💝

To  learn more about prevention and healthy child development, visit the Partnership to End Addiction's Prevention and Early Action resources:

https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-early-action/?       

Fun Suggestions for Small Acts of Kindness for This Week’s Red Ribbon Challenge Week 2

 

There are some cool suggestions of small acts of kindness in this graphic from today's National Do Something Nice Day that match-up perfectly with our weekly Red Ribbon Challenge Week 2 theme of Kindness & Tolerance! 

Who wouldn't feel special to give or receive a sweet compliment? How about being treated to delicious donut, pumpkin muffin, or coffee? 😋Receiving a surprise postcard or greeting card in the mail? 

Things like these can make someone feel special and cared for today or any day! Do what you can to make someone smile 😊 - it will warm your heart and make YOU feel good too! 💓

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 2 – Kindness & Tolerance

 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 2 is presented by our Red Ribbon sponsor, Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc. to encourage ways to promote the positive using Kindness & Tolerance. 

You can make your world better by finding ways to help someone or make them feel better. This also includes yourself - through self-care and being kind to yourself as well.

Activities this week include starting a Kindness Journal, thinking of different Kindness Challenges you can do, making a Kindness Circle in PE class or at lunch, and registering to participate with your friends and family in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 31st.

Kids participate FREE in
Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges

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

Register TODAY to participate in the
2026 Red Ribbon Run

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

🎀   🎀  🎀  🎀   🎀

Registration is Open for This Year’s Red Ribbon Run!

 

Ready to get your run on in support of a drug-free community? 🎀

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Annual Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 31, 2026 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. 

🎀 Free registration for K-8 Students for the Kids Fun Run is in effect for those who register prior to 10/30/26. Fee is $5 to register on the day of the event.

🎀 Parents and Adults may run with their children in the Family Fun Run for a $15 fee if you register before 10/30/26.

🎀 Register online by October 16 for a free Run T-Shirt. Shirts are not guaranteed for those who register after 10/16/26.

Be Part of Lakeland's favorite October
tradition where families run or walk
together to celebrate positive choices!

Registration Link

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

Event Information

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

2026 Red Ribbon Challenges Start This Week

 

October is Red Ribbon Month! Families can support prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events presented by InnerAct Alliance and our awesome Red Ribbon event title sponsor Publix Super Markets during October.

The Red Ribbon Challenges began online this week and continue through October 25 with a different health-oriented challenge featured each week for children to complete the fun activities with their family, friends, and classmates.

Red Ribbon Challenge Week #1 is presented by our event's title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, to encourage Family Dinner & Activities. Studies show that families who eat meals together build stronger relationships and foster better communication to help kids make more informed decisions. Fun activities this week include ideas for kids and parents to shop & cook meals together and exercise challenges to help everyone stay healthy and fit!

  Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges are FREE for Kids!

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

Post Completed Challenges on the IAA
Facebook page with hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Run Ad is On-The-Air!

 

Keep stretching and sprinting but first...take a moment to register for InnerAct Alliance's 2026 Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, which will take place on Saturday morning, October 31, at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland! 🧡

FREE REGISTRATION for K-8 Students to participate in the Kids Fun Run is offered until October 30th and registration will be $5 on the day of the event. Parents and adults may run with their children by registering for the Family Fun Run for $15. Healthy activities and entertainment, plus an opportunity to visit with friendly community vendors, will take place in the World Tour Family Fun area all day. 👪

Click  https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser and/or IAA's website https://www.inneractalliance.org/ to register today!

🎀 See You on Saturday morning, October 31
at Lake Mirror for all the family fun! 🎀

InnerAct Alliance Enjoyed Participating in ROAR Florida’s 5K Color Run

 

InnerAct Alliance enjoyed meeting all of the runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters who participated in the 2026 ROAR FLORIDA 5K Color Run this past Saturday, September 26 out at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland. It was a beautiful day with cooler fall weather 🍂 and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate ROAR's mission of redefining abilities and fostering relationships for adults with unique capabilities!

IAA always appreciates being part of family-friendly community awareness events, such as this one, to share valuable prevention education materials and resources, plus host interactive games and activities that everyone has fun with at our booth.👪

Special thanks to ROAR FLORIDA for presenting  this fun event and inviting InnerAct Alliance to be part of it! 💙💛

Project HOCO Shopping Day Tomorrow – Saturday, Sept. 26

 

It's time for Homecoming and UthMpact's PROJECT HOCO has just the look that will make you feel great on Homecoming Night - for FREE!

Our second Project HOCO Shopping Day is tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, from 11am to 4pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall - across from Rack Room Shoes. Bring your Polk High School ID, sign a pledge to celebrate homecoming substance-free, and enjoy wearing your free dress or suit to look and feel your very best!

Project HOCO Shopping Days continue on Saturdays October 10 and October 17. 

For more info, please call the InnerAct Alliance office at (863) 802-0777.

Help Kids Make Smart Choices that Keep Them in the Game

 

Life is full of choices. Some can open doors, while risky choices can close them. This Red Ribbon season, help your kids to make smart choices by choosing themselves - their goals, their health, their future, and those who count on them.

Encourage your teens to make choices today that they'll be proud of tomorrow, such as:

🚫 Skipping the pressure to drink, vape, use drugs or take unnecessary risks

💪 Finding healthy ways to handle stress and have fun

🤝Looking out for their friends - and speaking up when something doesn't feel right

🞋 Staying focused on things they want their future to look like

🎀 Sign your family up to participate in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 31 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Run, walk, connect, and celebrate making healthy choices together!

InnerAct Alliance Highlighted by the Lakeland Tigers for We Care Wednesday

 

Thank you to the Lakeland Flying Tigers baseball team for highlighting InnerAct Alliance at their "We Care Wednesday" game on August 12 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. It was a homerun for everyone! ⚾

InnerAct Alliance appreciated this special opportunity to share important substance abuse prevention education information and talk to fans and families about our free programs and services available in the community.😊

Ryan Rogers, President of the InnerAct Alliance Board of Directors and SVPII/West Polk Regional Manager with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, showed off his athletic skills throwing out the first pitch of the game. 

The Flying Tigers went on to defeat the Bradenton Marauders by a final score of 12-3. Everyone enjoyed the game action and visiting with fans and Tigers' mascot, SouthPaw! 🐾

10 Important Affirmations for Teens

 

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression are on the rise among the teen population. 

Adults tend to forget that being a teen is an emotionally volatile time. It's not uncommon to hear them say, "My life is over" or "What's the use?" Society tends to reject these declarations as being overdramatic but for many teens, sometimes it may actually seem like the end of the world to them. 

If you're searching for a way to improve your child's mental state, consider helping them to practice positive thinking and recite phrases of positive affirmation to help combat negative thoughts and propel growth.

Similar to how exercise can boost physical health, daily affirmations like those suggested in the graphic above empower teens to take charge of their emotions, handle changes, and believe in their unique qualities.

Thoughts and words are powerful. A positive frame of mind can lead to making better decisions. 

Parents and caregivers, please take time to affirm your teens and help boost their overall well-being so they can become happy, confident young adults. 

Happy First Day of Fall 2026

 

After months of heat and humidity, a little relief may be on its way as we usher in the Fall Equinox this evening! 

According to the Farmer's Almanac, the fall equinox is an astronomical event when the sun sits directly above the Earth's equator, marking the official first day of autumn. On this day, daylight and darkness are roughly equal at 12 hours each. 🌞🌛

The Sun crosses the celestial equator moving south in the Northern Hemisphere. Neither the Northern nor Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. After this day, the Northern Hemisphere tilts farther away from the sun - leading to shorter days, longer nights, and cooler weather.

Be sure to Welcome Fall at 8:04pm this evening! 🍂

UthMpact Class XVI Etiquette Dinner

Kudos to our UthMpact Board for leading the 16th Annual UthMpact Polk Etiquette Dinner held last month on August 26, 2026 at The Club at Eaglebrooke. Students who are participating in the 2026-2027 UthMpact Leadership Class XVI enjoyed an amazing opportunity to network with members of the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association and savor a fine dining experience. 🍴

At the Etiquette Dinner, our teen leaders learned the importance of proper dining etiquette in a formal setting and discussed informative topics with members of the business community including advice about hiring practices for young people and sharing life and career insights. 

Special thanks to The Club at Eaglebrooke and to the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association for their continued support!

 

Trick or Treat with Polk Sheriff Grady Judd on October 24

 

Get your best Halloween costume ready for this safe and family-friendly event planned for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, at Sun 'n Fun, located at 4175 Medulla Road, in Lakeland, FL. 🧡

Families will be treated to fun entertainment, candy, music, dancing, photos, and characters.👻And best thing is...it's FREE! Contact the Polk Sheriff's Office for more details and info.

National FAMILY DAY: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children September 28

 

Mark your calendar for Monday, September 28, which is National Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children - a reminder of the power of meals, connection, and togetherness.👪

We encourage you to participate in this national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they may be to smoke, drink or use illegal substances.🚭

Learn more about this initiative, sign the Family Day Pledge, and receive tips to talk with your children by visiting https://www.informedfamilies.org/

Support National Infant Mortality Awareness Month in September

 

September is National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, a time to recognize that every baby deserves the chance to celebrate a first birthday and thrive beyond it.👶Infant mortality reflects the health of families and communities, and reducing it requires continued attention to healthy pregnancies, safe sleep, access to quality prenatal and pediatric care, and support for parents before, during, and after birth.

An excellent local resource we'd like to share for families to contact to obtain valuable information from Florida Healthy Start is the Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties, Inc., located at 650 E. Davidson St., in Bartow, FL. Contact them at (863) 534-9224 and visit them on their website at:  

https://www.healthystarthhp.org/

Always Remember – Never Forget: September 11, 2001

 

September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten - 25 years later, Americans continue to honor the memories of those who lost their lives, pay tribute to the bravery of first responders, and reflect on the values of freedom, democracy, and resilience.

Although time goes by, we will always recall where we were during one of the worst days in American history as tragedy ensued at the Twin Towers in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

Out of these unspeakable tragedies came stories of strength, courage, fortitude, and some of the bravest acts of the heroes of 9/11. We remember the innocent lives lost, the heroes who stepped up to defend our country, the families who suffer painful loss of loved ones, the volunteers who gave selflessly, and those who sacrificed everything. God Bless America!

Please Consider a Smart Investment in a Drug Free Future

 

Did you know that for every $1 invested in prevention that between $7 and $30 is saved in treatment costs? That is not just smart economics, it is also smart compassion.

Your donation to support InnerAct Alliance increases positive impact across Central Florida and supports our agency's education, training, and support programs for parents, children, families, and schools right here in our community to help raise safe, healthy, and substance-free children.

For four decades, we have chosen prevention over intervention, positive facts over scare tactics, and community investment over crisis management to help students in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties grow up making healthy choices because someone believed prevention can work.

Empower positive change - every gift, no matter the size, demonstrates that our community values prevention, supports youth leaders, and believes in the power of positive peer pressure.

Please donate to InnerAct Alliance at:
https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

 

Register to participate in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run on October 31:
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Lakeland/InnerActAllianceRedRibbonRun

Visit the InnerAct Alliance website for helpful tools and inspiration to keep your family safe, healthy, and connected at:
https://www.inneractalliance.org/

Keep up with the latest prevention use on the IAA Blog at:

https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/