40 Years–40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #7: Our Prevention Supporters

 

40 Years - 40 Stories | Story #7: Some Things Haven't Changed - Our Prevention Supporters!

Community support has always been a key component in the success of our nonprofit agency, from our humble beginnings as Pride of Lakeland and the Drug Prevention Resource Center to today as InnerAct Alliance. 

Why Collaboration Matters

Drug prevention education requires diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives from schools, families, law enforcement, and health providers to address the multifaceted nature of substance abuse. Our local law enforcement partners at the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Lakeland Police Department provide critical intel on substance use trends, enforcement strategies, and foster trust and support in our community.

THEN: Sheriff Lawrence Crow served as Polk Sheriff for 18 years (1987-2005) and was beloved by students! This throwback photo shows Sheriff Crow high-fiving students at our Fifth Grady Rally events!

NOW: Sheriff Grady Judd continues to support our prevention education efforts wholeheartedly! He takes time each year to meet and speak with our UthMpact Student Leaders on Law Enforcement Leadership Day, and of course, everyone wants a selfie!

Right now, you can bid on awesome Sheriff Judd items and fun experiences and all proceeds support prevention education efforts in our community:

https://new.biddingowl.com/items?QueryAuctionId=c3054624-b21d-476e-8d19-0a903b6fd135&QueryCategory=%20A   

Scan the QR code or visit Bidding Owl to place your bid today!

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

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

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #Sheriff Grady Judd #PolkCountySheriff #LawEnforcementPartnership #CommunitySupport #PreventionEducation #UthMpact #BiddingOwl #PolkCounty

The Dirty Dozen Negative Impacts of Teen Marijuana Use

 

Following up on yesterday's blog about today's higher potency marijuana, we want to share the "Dirty Dozen" - a list of 12 significant negative consequences of adolescent marijuana use compiled by the organization Johnny's Ambassadors and based on scientific evidence. These harms are particularly concerning because the adolescent brain is still developing until around age 25. 

The "Dirty Dozen" Negative Outcomes of Teen Marijuana Use include:

Marijuana Dependence - nearly half of regular marijuana users may develop Cannabis Use Disorder CUD) characterized by cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

IQ Decline -  persistent use during adolescence can lead to a significant and potentially permanent loss of IQ points and cognitive decline, affecting memory and learning.

Anxiety & Depression - there's a strong association between cannabis use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.

Increase Odds of Other Substance Use - marijuana users are more likely to use alcohol and other drugs concurrently or later in life.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) - regular heavy use of marijuana can lead to severe cyclic nausea and vomiting.

School Dropout - marijuana use is correlated with lower grades, disengagement from school activities, and an increased likelihood of dropping out, which impacts future success.

Psychosis & Schizophrenia - High-THC products can trigger paranoia, delusional thinking, and psychotic breaks, potentially leading to long-term mental illnesses like schizophrenia, specially in genetically susceptible individuals.

Decreased Fertility Rates - regular marijuana use may lower fertility rates in both males and females and increase the risk of premature and low-birth weight babies. 

Lowers Your Motivation to Do Things - researchers tested the short-term effects of cannabis on motivation in humans and found smoking the equivalent of a single "spliff" of cannabis makes people less willing to do things including work for money while high.

Impacts Brain Development - use during critical growth periods interferes with normal brain function and development, which may derail cognitive processes and increase likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Addiction & Health Risks - high-potency THC products increase the likelihood of addiction and early use correlates with higher risks for dependence. Smoking marijuana can harm lung health and long-term use is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmias. 

Impaired Driving - marijuana use impairs judgment, coordination, reaction time, and perception, making driving under the influence very risky both to yourself and to others. 

Effects of marijuana use can impair you for the rest of your life. Know the Facts &
 learn more about Marijuana  

https://www.justthinktwice.gov/drugs/marijuana

 

It’s Not Just Weed - Marijuana Up to 4x More Potent in the Past 3 Decades

 

We've all heard the phrase "it's just weed" used in instances meant to downplay or dismiss the use of marijuana, but what you need to know is that today's cannabis is up to 4 times as potent now as it was just 3 decades ago. In fact, the amount of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana seized by the DEA has spiked from 3.4% in 1993 to 15.34% in 2021.  

Truth is - marijuana is a mind-altering drug made of dry, shredded, green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the cannabis sativa plant. THC is the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect that can be highly addictive.

High THC levels in marijuana are linked to increased problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination. A higher percentage of THC also intensifies the effects associated with regular use of cannabis, including physical dependence and withdrawal following discontinuation, as well as the psychological addiction or dependence. 

Even more disturbing is that often people may be unaware that marijuana, especially when it contains increased THC, is a risk factor for psychosis and schizophrenia, as well as the fact that it stunts brain growth. 

Resources for parents, teens, and educators can be found on the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/risk-factors/cannabis-and-teens.html 

and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana websites.

Come back to the IAA Blog tomorrow to learn more truths about Today's Marijuana.

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance - Story #6 Huge Impact! Meet Our Founder!

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #6: Meet Our Founder:

Our agency was founded in 1985 by a small group of individuals who came together and worked tirelessly to offer much-needed resources and drug education information to our community.

Meet Kaye B. McConnell - Our Visionary Founder

After experiencing two heartbreaking personal tragedies as an educator in Polk County Schools, Kaye was inspired to champion the anti-drug effort. In 1975, while teaching sixth grade at Scott Lake Elementary, two students took medication that wasn't theirs from a medicine cabinet at home. Around the same time, one of her childhood friends died as a result of drug abuse.

While Kaye searched for prevention resources, there weren't any - so she began writing her own drug prevention curriculum called "Meology." Soon, she and a handful of Polk County volunteers came together to start our nonprofit.

From Humble Beginnings to Community Movement: As the agency grew, we partnered with Polk County Schools and local businesses. The "Just Say No" Marches got larger, louder, and prouder. Students loved having their voices heard saying "No Drugs in Our Town." Local and state dignitaries joined the effort, which received television coverage throughout Central Florida.

Pictured: Our founder, Kaye McConnell (left) with Dr. Marti O'Brien (right), former educator, Board-President, and Advisory Board Member, who with her husband Roger remains a strong supporter:

Were you part of those early marches? Contact us, we'd love to hear from you!

Help Make a HUGE IMPACT
$40 = student participation incentives
$400 = supplies & staff time to bring back Fifth Grade Rallies
$4,000 = bus transportation, venue rental, guest speaker & a/v set up for Rallies

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

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

Kudos to Polk County Sheriff’s Office for Taking Fentanyl & Meth Off the Streets

 

Congratulations to PCSO's High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (H.I.D.T.A.) for spearheading disruption of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine into the county during two recent special operations resulting in key arrests along with seizures of dangerous drugs and weapons. Operation Bloodline and Operation Flatline resulted in the arrests of 51 suspects and seizure of 78lbs. of methamphetamine, 14.55 pounds of fentanyl, 13 firearms, and $20,000 in U.S. currency.

PCSO teamed up with State Prosecutors, FDLE, and other agencies to investigate a local Florida gang leaders and his counterparts in a drug trafficking organization operating in neighboring counties including Polk, Hillsborough, Osceola, Orange, Volusia, and Pasco. Using resources from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant, undercover detectives were able to participate in transactions in which they intercepted a delivery of ten pounds of methamphetamine and also identified a methamphetamine supply-line chain that ran from California to Polk County. 

Sheriff Grady Judd had this to say in a February 13th statement: "Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl are literally murdering people and tearing apart families. The men and women who go after these drug dealers are doing a noble, but dangerous job - putting their own lives on the line, to protect their communities from the drug-traffickers who are profiting from this destruction."

In the same statement, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier commended participating law enforcement agencies saying, "This was a highly organized, fentanyl-pushing enterprise operating in Central Florida that had ties all the way to California. We will continue dismantling these organizations from the top down. Anyone who traffics these poisons in Florida will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent."

More from the Sheriff's Office February 13 media release:  https://www.polksheriff.org/news-investigations/polk-county-news/2026/02/13/pcso-s-operation-bloodline-and-operation-flatline-multi-agency-investigation-disrupts-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine-drug-trafficking-organizations 

Celebrate All the Love in Our Lives!

 

Wishing Everyone an early Happy Valentine's Day & Weekend Ahead! This is a perfect time to remind ourselves about the importance of all kinds of love in our life. 💖

Valentine's Day can bring out a host of different emotions, but it's not just about romantic love, flowers, and chocolate. We should embrace all of the love in our lives - that for our pets, our families, our friends, and most of all, for ourselves!

This Valentine's weekend, let's all remember to show Ourselves some love by continuing to look for the light in life, staying open to new ideas, standing up for what you believe in, and letting your true self shine...thanks to our friends at @PositivelyPresent for this colorful and timely reminder!

Self-love allows you to accept yourself fully, treat yourself with kindness and respect, and nurture growth and well-being. Not only does self-love improve your relationship with yourself, but also with others. It motivates much of our positive behavior while reducing harmful behavior. Self-love is the gift that keeps on giving long after February is over! 🌷

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #5: Teaching Empathy, Kindness & Positive Choices

 

Story #5: Teaching Empathy, Kindness & Positive Choices

For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has served Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties with effective evidence-based programs to educate about substance abuse prevention and support youth to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

The Humane Education Program

One of our newest prevention efforts is the Humane Education Program, an evidence-based program that promotes empathy, kindness, and critical thinking in young children. Our humane educator uses age-appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and engaging activities to teach PreK through 3rd graders healthy ways to interact with their peers. Plus, there's a fun option to include live animals (or stuffed animals) in presentations!

Pictured above: Local high school students learn current social norms facts (left); Our humane educator partnering with the Polk County Sheriff's Office, students, and an adorable puppy learning about kindness and compassion (right).

Social Norms: Changing Perspectives with Positive Messages

We're also reaching high school students during lunch breaks with Social Norms messaging that proactively changes perspectives about substance use. The positive message? Most of their peers are NOT involved in substance use and risky behaviors! This FREE program provides all materials needed.

We believe every child deserves a safe, healthy, and drug-free future!

Support Our Prevention Programs:

$40 = student participation incentives

$400 = books & materials for Humane Education

$4,000 = additional support staff for Social Norms outreach

Donate by

texting IAA to 26989

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

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #HumaneEducation #SocialNorms #EmpathyEducation #PreventionWorks #PolkCounty #PositiveChoices #DrugFreeFuture

Prevention Begins at Home: Stay Vigilant During Cold/Flu Season

 

Prevention begins at home - more specifically in the home medicine cabinet! Now that it's cold and flu season, parents must stay particularly vigilant about what is accessible in your home. Youth have been known to misuse cough and cold medications. Keep all medication out of the reach of children and teens - both prescription and over-the-counter.💊

This is a good reminder to talk to your children at early ages about substance use and misuse. Tell them that even OTC medications used to treat the common cold and flu can be risky if they are not taken as directed or prescribed. 

It's also a good time to clean out all used, expired, or unneeded prescription and non-prescription medication and bring it to the Spring DEA Medication Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10am to 2pm, at participating police department locations throughout Polk County (locations pending) for proper disposal. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #4: The Red Ribbon Run Legacy

 

Story #4: The Red Ribbon Run Legacy

October is National Red Ribbon Month and InnerAct Alliance has been recognized for hosting one of the largest drug prevention awareness campaigns in the state of Florida! Each year, we distribute Red Ribbons, the national symbol for drug prevention, to encourage schools, churches, and community members to wear and display them in support of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

A Tradition Born in 1992: The first Red Ribbon Run began in October 1992 as a one-mile fun run to prevent harm and promote health. This beloved community event has grown tremendously over the past three decades!

Today's Red Ribbon Run features:

Kids Fun Run (FREE for grades K-8)

Family Fun Run for adults to run/walk with their children

World Tour vendor area with healthy snacks & fitness activities

Trophies and ribbons awarded in timed grade heats

Save the Date:

The 2026 Red Ribbon Run is Saturday, October 31! Join thousands of families at Lake Mirror in Lakeland for this FREE celebration of healthy, drug-free living. Registration opens soon!

Support the Red Ribbon Run:
$40 = 4 families can participate in the 2026 Red Ribbon Run
$500 = sponsor a Grade Heat
$1,000 = Bronze Sponsorship + your name on Run t-shirts
$4,000 = Silver Sponsorship + your name on Run T-t-shirts

Donate by

Texting IAA to 26989

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

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #RedRibbonRun #RedRibbonMonth #DrugFreeLiving #PolkCounty #LakeMirror #HealthyFamilies #PreventionWorks

Celebrating Black History Month

 

During the month of February, we honor Black History Month across the United States to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black and African Americans past and present and take time to learn more about diverse communities, cultures, and people.

Black History Month started with the past and the heroes who had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. Its message continues when we all make an effort to learn more about our neighbors and celebrate inclusion by attending special public events that bring in music, speakers, and activities in our community. During this month, let's deepen our understanding and commitment to freedom and equality as we continue to work to end racism in all forms. ❤

Thanks to April and our friends at Lakeland Mom for sharing a list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Polk  County this month including the City of Lakeland's Black History Festival in Jackson Park on Saturday, February 15, from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will enjoy artisan vendors, food trucks, activities for kids, and more for families. On the mobile stage, there will be entertainment from dance to the spoken word. Inside the Coleman-Bush building, the City will highlight the history of the building and Park. This is a FREE event open to the public and features fun for all ages.

Check out the fun in & around
Lakeland and Polk County this month

https://lakelandmom.com/things-to-do-in-february/?utm_content=link_id&utm_medium=email&utm_source=flodesk

Polk Teens Shop for Free Prom Formalwear Tomorrow Saturday Feb 7

 

UthMpact is proud to kick off the 13th year of the Project Prom effort to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk School ID may sign a pledge promising to celebrate alcohol- and substance-free and receive their dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories at no cost! 👗🕴 

Come down to the Project Prom Store this Saturday morning, February 7, from 11am to 4pm, at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Hwy 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). If you're not able to make it this weekend, additional Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: February 21, March 7, and March 21.

The community may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories - especially needed are dresses in sizes XS 0-3 and plus size (18+) and men's small suits, dress pants (waist 30-36") and shirts (all sizes), shoes, and accessories. Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30am to 4:30pm) weekdays at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland). 

See you tomorrow!🎀

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #3: Bringing Back the Fifth Grade Rallies

 

Story #3 Bringing Back the Fifth Grade Rallies

For years, InnerAct Alliance hosted Red Ribbon Rallies for nearly 6,000 Fifth Grade students across Polk County, a powerful experience that reinforced critical substance abuse resistance skills before students entered middle school. The Rallies featured national speakers and community leaders who inspired students to make healthy choices. Kids were challenged to create original posters, poems, and essays celebrating the truth that most people do not use drugs or alcohol. Students shared deeply personal stories of how addictions affect families and why prevention matters so much.

One brave fifth grader wrote this powerful poem titled "This is Sad":

You know what?
Drugs are Bad.
Something else?
I don't know my dad.
Because he does drugs.
And that's really sad.
All I know is that his name is Tom.
And one day he left me and my Mom.
If he were drunk, some people he might kill.
But, I'll still have my Mom and Step-Dad Bill.

Now This is Sad: Budget constraints have prevented us from hosting Fifth Grade Rallies in recent years. Students have missed this crucial opportunity to bond as a positive peer group before entering middle school.

YOU Can Help Bring 5th Grade Rallies Back!
$400 = supplies and staff time
$4,000 = bus transportation for Lakeland or Winter Haven Rally
$4,000 = speakers & a/v personnel or venue rental

Together, we can restore this impactful tradition and reach thousands of students with life-changing prevention messages!

Donate by

Texting IAA to 26989

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

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance
#FifthGrade Rallies #PreventionMatters
#BringBackTheRallies #PolkCountySchools
#RedRibbon

Floridians Won’t Vote on Recreational Marijuana on the November Ballot

 

Floridians will not be voting on recreational marijuana on this November's ballot. The proposed amendment that would have allowed adults age 21 & over to buy and use recreational marijuana failed to qualify for Florida's 2026 ballot due to a shortfall of verified signatures.

The Florida Department of State announced on Sunday that the political organization behind the initiative, Smart & State Florida, had fallen short of the 880,000 verified signatures required by Florida law to be received before the February 1st deadline. It was announced that around 783,000 signatures had been submitted - Smart & Safe Florida opposed in a statement claiming that 1.4 million signatures had been submitted.

This campaign's shortfall comes after months of state directives that tossed out tens of thousands of petitions from Florida voters suspected of being fraudulent. Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, commented on the failed petition at a press conference on Monday in Tampa saying that the Smart & Safe Florida failed to gets its amendment on the 2026 ballot due to "numerous cases of fraudulent petitions." He confirmed that the action by the Dept. of State will not end his office's investigation of election fraud.

You may remember that Floridians voted on a similar measure back in 2024 and even though more than 56% of voters approved, it didn't pass because it didn't meet the required 60% threshold of voter support needed for approval.

40 Years – 40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance – Story #2: Remember the 90's

 

For four decades, InnerAct Alliance has been Polk County's trusted prevention leader. We're celebrating our 40th Anniversary by sharing a special memory from each year that our agency has been in existence since 1985 - along with the incredible programs that continue our mission. 

Story #2: Remember the 90s? Big hair, big ideas, and a BIG GORILLA?!

Meet Eugene, our loveable "Just Say No" mascot who spent over 20 years visiting schools, participating in community events, and giving big hugs to spread the message of Hugs NOT Drugs? While Eugene is now retired, his spirit of prevention education lives on in every classroom we visit.

Then & Now

From one beloved gorilla mascot to a team of 10 professional prevention educators! Today, InnerAct Alliance teaches FREE evidence-based programs in grades 4-5-6/7-9 across Polk County schools. Our educators equip students with essential skills to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors that lead to substance abuse. 

After 4 decades of service, we need YOUR help to reach even more students and schools in our community.

Support Our Teacher Team!
$40 = one more hour in the classroom
$400 = teaching a class for 10 weeks
$4,000 = an entire Fall quarter of classes
$40,000 = 1 full-time or 2 part-time teachers

Donate by

texting AAA to 26989

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

click on QR Code

Check back again soon as we will be sharing more stories celebrating our community's commitment to preventing harm and promoting health!

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #EugeneTheGorilla #HugsNotDrugs #PreventionEducation #PolkCountySchools #DrugFreeCommunity

Florida Received Poor Grades in 2026 State of Tobacco Control Report

 

The American Lung Association's 24th Annual State of Tobacco Control Report grades states and the federal government on policies and laws designed to protect the public from harmful tobacco use in 5 categories: prevention & cessation funding, smoke-free air, tobacco taxes, access to cessation services, and regulation of flavored tobacco products that put our youth at risk of addiction. Florida's grades on the ALA's 2026 report, released on January 27, 2026, show that our state must step up efforts to reduce tobacco use to protect our communities.

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and diseases having claimed more than 490,000 lives in the U.S. and 32,300 Florida residents each year. Major strides in smoking prevention have been achieved in recent years - rates for adults smoking dropped from 23% in 2000 to 10.5% in 2023 and youth tobacco use has reached at its lowest level in 25 years - but vaping tobacco in schools is still a significant concern. Statistics show that more than 2 million middle and high school students surveyed still use tobacco, including e-cigarettes.

In the report, Federal Government received grades of D (in regulation of tobacco products and coverage of treatment to help people quit smoking) - and B (in funds for tobacco prevention/control). Pending reductions in funding could negatively impact efforts to reduce tobacco use.

Florida is doing better than other states when it comes to reducing tobacco use, according to the American Lung Association. The Sunshine State received grades of C (smoke-free air and access to cessation services) and F (prevention/cessation funding, tobacco taxes, inadequate regulation of flavored tobacco products). Grades are almost the same as last year, other than rising from D to C in improvement in access to cessation services. Lawmakers were commended for efforts to allocate funds to Tobacco Free Florida, the state's tobacco control program, which does a good job with the funds given. 

To keep tobacco control progress heading in the right direction, the American Lung Association Reports suggests implementing public policies like raising taxes on tobacco products, expanding smoke-free workplace laws, reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes, and ending the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Clearly there's still work to do! Talk to your kids about the dangers of tobacco use 🚭

Read about Florida's Grades in the
State of Tobacco Control's 2026 report card:

https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades/florida