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/

 

Join Us for the 2026 Red Ribbon Run – Saturday, October 31st

It's time to start your stretches and warm-ups and register to run in InnerAct Alliance's 2026 Red Ribbon Run, presented by Publix Super Markets, which will take place on Saturday morning, October 31, at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

Free registration for K-8 Students for 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. Lots of healthyactivities and entertainment, plus the opportunity to visit with our friendly community vendors, will take place in the World Tour Family Fun area all day.

For more info, please take a moment to visit IAA's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser and visit IAA's website to register: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

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

PROJECT HOMECOMING Shopping Days Begin This Saturday, September 12

 

💜Homecoming Season is Upon Us! 💜

If you're looking for the perfect HOCO look without a  big price tag, Project HOCO of Polk County has FREE homecoming dresses and suits for local teens!

The FIRST Shopping Date is THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 from 11am to 4pm! Local high school teens bring your student ID and find a new outfit you'll feel amazing in absolutely FREE!

Visit the Project Prom/HOCO Store in Lakeland Square  Mall - 3800 US Hwy 98 N in Lakeland, FL - across from Rack Room Shoes.

If you can't make it this Saturday, the Project Prom/HOCO Store will also be open on Saturdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 10, and Oct. 17.

Spread the word to all your friends and classmates to come out to shop for a cool new HOCO look!

Knowledge is Prevention!

 

Our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shared this powerful graphic to remind us that knowledge is prevention!

America is in a new era where the focus is on drug prevention, education, and recovery. SAMHSA is committed to breaking the cycle of addiction through education and treatment, while working to restore people's lives through recovery. Priority is to help build resilience and move from chemical coping to human connection - from a pill culture towards a purpose culture. Visit SAMHSA at: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Education about the facts associated with substance abuse empowers people to make informed decisions, reduces stigma, and strengthens prevention efforts.

At InnerAct Alliance, we also strongly believe in the power of prevention. We strive to help kids make safe, healthy, and drug-free lifestyle choices. Please seek out proven resources to educate yourself and share with your children and teens to help keep our communities informed and safe!

Please Support Prevention Education in Our Community

 

Good News is that addiction and substance abuse are both preventable and treatable! Prevention education is a cost-effective method for lowering rates of underage drinking and substance abuse by adolescents. Advocating for increased primary prevention efforts not only saves money, but it can also spare teens and families from the devastating emotional toll that comes from addiction. It's not a "one-and-done" strategy - building positive norms around healthy choices requires consistent practice and reinforcement.

This is where InnerAct Alliance (IAA) comes in! Since 1985, our nonprofit substance abuse prevention agency has led local efforts to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances along with involvement in other risky behaviors through Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The InnerAct Alliance board of directors and staff are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Invest in Our Community! Each year, InnerAct Alliance helps to educate thousands of students on the dangers of drugs and empowers adults to live a quality life. Programs are based on prevention models proven to increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for youth in grades K-12. Services offered include science-based education in local schools, teen-driven social norms marketing, a premiere youth leadership program, and awareness events that touch the lives of youth, adults, families, community groups, and others in need with an important substance abuse prevention message. 

Our community agency relies on local support as state prevention funds tend to decrease each year. To help continue our worthwhile programs to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, please visit: 

https://www.inneractalliance.org/donations.html

 Any & all donations are greatly appreciated!

Concerned About a Friend? You Can Make a Difference!

 

InnerAct Alliance joins our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to remind everyone that it's never too late to make a difference in the lives of our family members and friends. 

If you have noticed someone in your life showing signs of a mental or substance use disorder, the first thing you should do is talk to them. It's not an easy conversation to have but it's important to reach out - it could be exactly the encouragement they need to seek help. 

SAMHSA has shared some easy conversation starter suggestions to help you to offer support...

You can make a big difference simply by letting your friend know you are there for them. Remind them that asking for help is a normal part of life. 

Additional support: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/young-adults or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).