Celebrate All of The Dads In Our Lives This Father’s Day

 

Dads and Father Figures in our lives deserve to be celebrated on Father's Day and every day because they make the world a better place! This weekend we take time to celebrate the men who are our fathers and father figures - among them biological fathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, grandfathers , uncles, coaches, teachers, pastors, and even Moms who often step in to help fill that important role as well.

In the U.S., Father's Day is usually observed on the third Sunday of June each year and the weekend is often full of celebrations as families treat their fathers to special lunches, cookouts, gifts, and trips.

Fathers help to shape our confidence, build trust, encourage healthy choices, and make strong family connections. 👪

InnerAct Alliance wishes a Happy Father's Day to all of the incredible men in our lives and throughout our community who play a vital role in guiding and shaping the lives of children to help them grow up happy, healthy - and most of all - loved! 💙

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! 😎