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! 💙💛