Juneteenth - A Celebration of Freedom

 

Juneteenth honors African Americans who helped to build this great nation. This year marks the 161st anniversary of the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free - it is the oldest celebration to mark the final end of slavery.

After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to free American slaves in the Confederate states in 1863, it took a while for slaves in isolated areas to hear the news. Some slave owners intentionally kept word from those they had enslaved so they would not flee. But, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas to deliver the message that the war was over so all slaves would know of their freedom.

The Juneteenth National Independence Act establishing June 19 as a federal holiday was signed in 2021. The day's celebrations often included prayer and religious serves, educational events, family gatherings, and events with food, music, and dancing. It is a reminder of the long fight for freedom and the work we must continue to do to build a better future with liberty and justice for all.

Thanks to our friends at LAL Today, here are a few of the Juneteeth festivities in Polk County:

Juneteenth Comedy Show | Friday, June 19 | 9 p.m. | Stage Room | $15 | Head to this underground venue for a hilarious show hosted by Lakeland Comedy.

Juneteenth Celebration | Saturday, June 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Winter Haven Recreation & Cultural Center | Free+ | This community center just opened in the spring, and it's the new home of this annual event featuring live music and a vendor market.

Juneteenth Freedom Festival | Saturday, June 27 | 1-6 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free+ | Don't miss entertainment and historical exhibits at Lakeland's biggest festival.

Social Media Can Normalize Substance Use

 

Rounding out the list of common trends to be aware of, parents and caregivers must also be vigilant about Social Media. Data from the CDC has found that 77% of U.S. high school students reported using social media at least several times a day.

A 2026 JAMA Network Open Study found that adolescent exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts on social media was associated with e-cigarette, cannabis, or dual use among youth. 📲Teens may come across videos, memes, influencers, or peer content that make vaping, THC product use, or other  substances look normal, funny, harmless, or trendy.

That does not mean that every teen who sees this content will use substances. But, it does mean that parents should ask their children what they are seeing online and help them learn to think critically about what is being promoted. 🤔

Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Tunnel Found Connecting U.S. & Mexico

 

According to a CBS News Report, federal law enforcement officials have recently uncovered a sophisticated 2,000-foot-long cross-border drug smuggling tunnel between border cities in Mexico and California. The tunnel is complete with electricity, reinforced walls, ventilation, and a rail system. 

A multi-month Homeland Security investigation  that led to the discovery of the tunnel also culminated in the seizure of more than one ton (2,250 pounds) of cocaine, valued at $45 million, and the arrest of four suspects linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force began investigating a warehouse location for a supposed-discount store called Buy 4 Less, located near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego across the Tijuana, Mexico border in December 2025. Surveillance of activity did not appear to be consistent with that of a normal retail store. Employees were seen taking empty suitcases across the border by car, even sometimes by hand. Federal agents planned to move in on the operation in late May, at which time three large vehicles were pulled over found loaded with large packages containing cocaine.

The DOJ was further granted a warrant to investigate the warehouse/store location where agents found the exit of the tunnel concealed under the floor of a storage room. The tunnel was as much as 55 feet deep and extended just over 1,000 feet to the U.S. - Mexico border. The tunnel continued on the Mexico side of the border for another more than 800 feet.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-smuggling-tunnel-us-mexico-video/

Additional Substance Abuse Trends: Alcohol – Counterfeit Pills – Fentanyl

 

Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about current trends in substance abuse prevention. While vaping and THC products often get the most attention, there are others worth mentioning.

Alcohol prevention is still important, so remind youth that there is no safe level of alcohol use for teens under 18 years of age. 🍷🍺The 2025 Monitoring the Future survey reported that alcohol use remained stable with 11% of 8th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 41% of 12th graders reporting alcohol use in the past year. 

Counterfeit pills and Fentanyl continue to present serious risks for the youth population. 💊 It is worth reminding youth that the ONLY safe medication is that prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. This matters because many times youth may not always understand the risk of taking a pill from a friend, peer, or an online source. Remind them that even a very small amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

We encourage parents and caregivers to remain vigilant. Summer months can bring more free time with parties, sleepovers, travel, and less structured routines. Continue to seek opportunities for conversations to speak clearly about your family's expectations around alcohol, vaping, drugs, and impaired decision-making before situations presen themselves.

Everyone Plays a Role in Prevention

 

Since 1985, InnerAct Alliance has been dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use - but for prevention to truly work, it take a community effort. Working together across various community sectors including schools, government, healthcare, faith communities, and families, we can create a stronger community that supports everyone, especially young people who are doing their best to make the right choices! 💪

How Do Evidence-Based Prevention Programs Work? - prevention programs help to boost protective factors and eliminate/reduce risk factors. Perception of the harm of substance use is a significant protective factor against the risk of engaging in substance use. Building a knowledge base of the facts of negative health effects can be effective in building that perception. 

Most adolescents are satisfied by knowing the risks of substance use when they realize it doesn't match their health goals, but sadly some are not yet convinced. Instead, they may find ways to dismiss the seriousness or choose not to believe they'll be the one to experience negative consequences.

To overcome these unhealthy coping strategies, effective prevention education programs help to build a solid foundation of self-efficacy and interpersonal skills. This prepares teens to navigate the complex social dynamics that may model and accept risky behavior and minimize the risk of negative consequences. Equipped with knowledge and tools, youth learn how to weigh the cost to their futures in health, social, and legal risks of substance use and instead seek out alternative activities to achieve similar goals.

Skills like setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, communicating effectively, identifying and managing emotions, and bonding with their pro-social peers prepare youth to refuse peer pressure and influence. It can also help them solve problems, resolve conflict, manage stress, and find other ways to meet the challenges in life without turning to substance use to escape, relax, rebel, or experiment.

As soon as they discover the path they are on and develop the skills to protect their goals, teens are more inclined to choose actions consistent with their goals and not risk participating in any risky behaviors that could interfere with their ability to reach them. 

Prevention works best when families, schools, and communities work together. This summer, we encourage parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community members to create supportive atmospheres for our children simply by being present, being consistent, and being mindful of the example we are setting each and every day. 

Summer Wellness Tips for Families

 

Now that school is over and summer vacation is upon us, it's a perfect time to practice family self-care so that everyone can thrive together physically, mentally, and emotionally while enjoying the fun and carefree vibe that summer brings.

Kids and teens still need healthy routines and simple structure goes a long way to support sleep, mental wellness, family connection, and positive choices. Here are some healthy suggestions for your best summer yet🌞

Physical Wellness - staying physically active and eating well has been shown to improve our mental health and wellness. Plan time to exercise regularly, look into local workout groups and dance classes. Now that the weather is warm and sunny, spend more time outdoors taking family walks, hikes, or bike rides. Shop for fresh fruit and veggies to help you enjoy healthy eating habits. Be sure to make time for quality rest and maybe even a nap now and then! 😴

Mental Wellness - practicing wellness activities can help you overcome stress and anxiety and promote productivity. Find self-soothing exercises and practice mindfulness. A great way to unwind is with art or music activities the whole family can enjoy. Older children may benefit from journaling their thoughts. All of these activities can help establish priorities and lessen daily stress.

Embrace Support - when we are facing challenges, it's important to reach out for support. Support groups, workshops, and counseling opportunities are available in most communities, as well as virtually, to help you communicate your needs and find assistance you may need. Help and healing are only a phone call or click away.

Stay Connected - staying in touch with others who impact us in a positive way is vital for human wellbeing. It creates a positive sense of belonging and creates time for the people who you care about and who care about you. Relationships trigger positive neurochemicals, like oxytocin and dopamine, that reduce stress. Research shows that strong bonds boost immunity, lower chronic disease risks, and significantly increase life expectancy as well!

Together, we can help children and teens feel informed, supported, and prepared to make healthy choices. Stay strong - stay healthy - and we wish you an amazing summer! 😎

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #37: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Ajay Soni & Christopher Traylor

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #37: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Ajay Soni & Christopher Traylor

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Class XV graduates, we are honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026. 

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Ajay Soni
University of Austin
Majoring in Business with a
Finance Concentration

🎓 Christopher Traylor
Florida Southern College
Majoring in Architecture

The UthMpact Experience - these graduates traveled throughout Polk County on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned critical leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through efforts like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and the UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns.

Congratulations, Ajay and Christopher! Your commitment and dedication to leadership and prevention have made a lasting impact on our community. We can't wait to see all you will accomplish!

* UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk?

* Contact: Samantha Barwig (863) 802-0777

* Support Prevention: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

* Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

The OTUS Trailer: Recognize Signs of Youth Substance Abuse In Plain Sight

 

Most kids are doing the right thing, but there are signs to watch for to know if they are heading in the wrong direction. Correcting risky behaviors early is the key to successful prevention!

Own the Upside is a campaign formed by the Coalition Partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties to help prevent harm and promote health for our youth. We are proud to partner with the Polk County Sheriff's Foundation to present an exciting resource to educate parents and caregivers of teens in our community.

OTUS Trailer - The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" trailer is a mobile, interactive exhibit housing a replica of a teens' bedroom that parents can walk through to learn how to recognize clues signaling potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors visible in plain sight or easily concealed in ordinary everyday items in the room. This presentation is meant for adults only - no children please!

How Can You Help? - to support efforts to encourage healthy behaviors and reduce substance abuse, your organization may invite a representative from InnerAct Alliance to visit with the OTUS trailer and share an informative presentation with your group who all play a pivotal part in educating youth about making healthy choices - the community standard we all want to promote and grow. We look forward to visiting your PTA, PTO, Booster Club, or other adult group in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk County soon!

To schedule a presentation for Fall 2026, 

please call (863) 802-0777 or visit

https://www.inneractalliance.org/own-the-upside.html 

Be On Top of Current Trends for THC & Cannabis Products

 

Another current youth drug trend that parents should watch is the growing variety of THC and cannabis-related products which may include vapes, gummies, edibles, drinks, hemp-derived products, and products marketed with terms like delta-8 THC.

In 2025, the Monitoring the Future Survey found that cannabis use remained stable among teens, with 8% of 8th graders - 16% of 10th graders - and 26% of 12th graders reporting cannabis use in the past 12 months. The same survey also found that some terms reported using intoxicating hemp-derived cannabis products, including delta-8 THC.

For parents, the concern is not only whether a product is called "marijuana" - "cannabis" - "hemp" - or "THC." The concern is that these products can affect a young person's brain, judgment, memory, attention, and school performance. The CDC warns that cannabis use can have lasting effects on the developing brain, especially when use begins in adolescence or becomes regular or heavy. 🧠

Experts recommend having frank, nonjudgmental conversations about cannabis early and often - with focus on safety and health. Knowledge is power so educate yourself first so that you can convey the message that today's cannabis is not the same as it used to be. It is now engineered to be highly concentrated, with THC levels sometimes exceeding 90% in vapes. This growing variety of products poses some severe risks to the adolescent brain which is still actively developing until the mid-20s.

Read this informative article highlighting results from a large national study of adolescents led by Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons about cannabis use and its impact on the health and academic performance of teens. 

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/teens-any-cannabis-use-may-have-impact-emotional-health-academic-performance

What Parents Should Look Out For As Summer Vacation Begins

 

With summer vacation upon us, kids have more opportunities to enjoy free time. Although there are some risks associated with that freedom, we are encouraged by the good news that the majority of today's youth are  choosing not to use substances. 

National data from the 2025 Monitoring the Future Survey showed that reported use of most drugs remained relatively low among U.S. teens, with many students reporting no recent use of marijuana, alcohol, or nicotine. Still, prevention matters because the products, risks, and ways that youth are exposed continue to change - meanwhile drug potency is on the rise.

With this in mind, our prevention partners at Informed Families - The Florida Family Partnership - have kindly shared an informative article outlining what today's youth are seeing, hearing, and potentially being offered when it comes to alcohol, vaping, THC products, and other substances. In this week's blog, we will highlight a few of these - beginning today with an update on Vaping.

Vaping Is Still a Major Youth Prevention Concern - vaping remains one of the most important substance use prevention topics for parents, schools, and communities. According to the FDA and CDC, e-cigarettes were still the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth in 2024, with 1.63 million middle and high school students reporting current e-cigarette use.

Parents should know that many of today's vape products are easy to hide, flavored to appeal to youth, and often disposable. More than 8-in-10 current youth e-cigarette users reported using flavored e-cigarettes, and disposables were the most commonly used device type among current youth users.

This is an important health issue. Teen vaping can affect attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain. Parents should continue monitoring their children's activities and keep the lines of conversation open. 

InnerAct Alliance can help! Our agency provides prevention education presentations at schools, summer camps, youth programs, and community events to help youth learn about the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. Working together, we can help our children feel informed, supported, and prepared to make healthy decisions. Programs are provided free of charge - call us today at 802-0777 for more information.

https://www.informedfamilies.org

40 Years-40 Stories of InnerAct Alliance | Story #36: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates – Nicholas Roll & Hellen Sierra

 

40 Years-40 Stories | Story #36: Celebrating UthMpact Class XV Graduates - Nicholas Roll and Hellen Sierra

As we continue celebrating our 2025-2026 UthMpact Class XV graduates, we're honored to highlight two more exceptional young leaders who completed the program on April 1, 2026!

Today, we celebrate UthMpact Graduates:

🎓 Nicholas Roll
University of Alabama
Majoring in Architecture

🎓 Hellen Sierra
Polk State College
Majoring in Graphic Design

The UthMpact Experience! - These graduates traveled throughout Polk County on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. They learned crucial leadership skills while educating their peers about substance abuse prevention through projects like Project Prom, Project HOCO, and the UthMpact Facts social norms campaigns. 

Congratulations, Nicholas and Hellen! Your dedication to leadership and prevention has made a lasting impact on our community. We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish!

*UthMpact: https://www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk

*Contact: Samantha Barwig @ (863) 802-0777

*Support Prevention: https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

*Text IAA to 26989

#40Years40Stories #InnerActAlliance #UthMpact #ClassOf2026 #GraduatingSeniors #FutureLeaders #ProudMoment #PolkCounty #YouthLeadership

Healthy Risk-Taking Supports & Builds Resilient Kids

 

Healthy risk taking can be beneficial, as it encourages kids to try new things, accept challenges, and venture into the unknown. By guiding children toward healthy challenges, parents can help kids satisfy their natural desire for risk taking, avoid negative outcomes, and bolster confidence and leadership skills - all in an effort to help youth become better equipped to manage risk as they grow into the teen years and into adulthood.

5 Top Tips for Families to Participate in Healthy Risk Taking

*Get out into nature together, such as in parks or on bush walks, as natural settings proving many amazing risk play opportunities.

*Provide experiences with real tools together, such as cooking, gardening, or "fix-it" jobs around the house.

*Give your child space where appropriate, supervising out of the child's direct view so they can gain confidence in mastering their skills 'on their own'.

*Identify the risks or hazards. If there is a hazard, step in and help.

*Try to avoid saying 'no' or 'be careful' in risky play situations. Rather, encourage your child to identify the risks and discuss ways of managing them together. Set boundaries to help guide them through a progression of experiences and levels of risk according to their abilities and experience.

When it comes to teens, it can be a bit more challenging for them to find ways to express themselves in a safe way. Our prevention partners at the Partnership to End Addiction remind us that taking risks is a natural part of teens' identity and development. It provides opportunities to learn new things and explore boundaries. Key is for risks to be healthy ones that will help kids gain confidence and practice problem-solving, decision-making, and resilience - important skills they'll need to succeed in life.

Encourage new learning experiences, such as Summer Camps, that offer a perfect opportunity for kids to give new activities a try. Our friends at Lakeland Mom have compiled the ultimate list of camp options in Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, and across Polk County in their Summer Camp Guide for Lakeland + Polk County at: https://lakelandmom.com/summer-camp-directory/

Reassure your kids that there's everything to gain and nothing to lose - either way, it can be a valuable learning experience. There are always other activities to explore if the first one doesn't work out. 

Talk about your healthy risk-taking and share the rewards and failures so kids will know that trial and error is a normal part of finding what works best for us all!

Read more about Healthy Risk Taking

https://drugfree.org/article/healthy-risk-taking/