KUDOS TO LAKE WALES CHARTER SCHOOLS!

KUDOS TO LAKE WALES CHARTER SCHOOLS!

Over the past five years, InnerAct Alliance has taught The PAX Good Behavior Game to teachers and students in the Lake Wales Charter Schools. PAX means peace, productivity, and health in Latin. The program teaches peaceful life skills, encourages anti-bullying strategies, and promotes kindness and team work. PAX has been embraced by Lake Wales teachers, administrators, and School Superintendent, Dr. Jesse L. Jackson. Many of the Lake Wales Charter Schools personnel have attended the nationwide PAX-Good Behavior Game training.

PAX has been approved and funded by the Federal Government through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Research and findings for the program show decreases in suicidal tendencies, drug abuse, and violent behaviors in adolescents and adults who were exposed to PAX in elementary school.

We are proud of the Lake Wales School System for embracing The PAX Program and bringing it to their teachers and students. InnerAct Alliance looks forward to partnering with more schools in the future!

Prevention Summit a Success!

Prevention Summit a Success!

On Monday, October 19, 2015, StandUP Polk hosted the 6^th Annual “Own the Upside” Prevention Summit at Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City. Sheriff Grady Judd began the Prevention Summit with opening remarks. The 170 participants represented many organizations across Polk County including School Resource Officers, School Board employees, Prevention Specialists, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals, and Guardian ad litems.  It was a great opportunity to share current information about our community and its youth culture. An outstanding line up of speakers presented on topic including:  The Impact of the Legalization of Marijuana, New and Emerging Drugs, Waxing and Dabbing, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Law Enforcement, Bullying, Trauma Informed care, and Current Gang Trends. The Crime Stoppers Campaign was revealed and participants were awarded CEU’s for their participation.  

Over 1,100 Pounds of Prescription Drugs Collected in Polk County at 10th Annual DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Over 1,100 Pounds of Prescription Drugs Collected in Polk County
at 10^th Annual DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on September 26, 2015 for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications. 

A total of 1,125.8 pounds of prescription drugs were turned in by Polk County residents at the 2015 event. Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in over 6,500 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse, and abuse. Almost twice as many Americans (6.8 million) currently abuse prescription drugs than the number using cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Participating locations in our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day were Auburndale Police Department, Haines City Police Department (pictured above), Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

Polk County also has Permanent Medication Drop Boxes at the following locations:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL (Weekdays, 8am–5pm)
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL (Weekdays, 8am–5pm)
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 North Seminole Ave., Lake Alfred, FL (24 hours/7 days)
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL (24 hours/7 days)
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive, WH, FL (Weekdays, 8am–5pm)

AMA Calls for Ban on Prescription Drug TV Ads

AMA Calls for Ban on Prescription Drug TV Ads

We’ve all seen the influx of ads for medications promising a cure to whatever ails you. After an upbeat intro and even a cute cartoon about the drug’s benefits inevitably comes a laundry list of side effects that may include anything from excessive bleeding  to heart attack, stroke, and even death! These ads can convey a false and dangerous message to viewers of all ages that the benefits of taking these meds can outweigh the dangerous side effects. 

On November 17, 2015 the American Medical Association (AMA) called for an end to direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs and implantable medical devices.  According to the AMA, the ads contribute to increasing cost, and lead to patient demand for inappropriate treatment.

“The vote in support of an advertising ban reflects concerns among physicians about the negative impact of commercially driven promotions and the role that marketing costs play in fueling escalating drug prices,” AMA Board Member Dr. Patrice Harris said in a news release published on the American Medical Association’s website at http://www.ama-assn.org. “Direct-to-consumer advertising also inflates demand for new and more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be appropriate.”

The United States and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Drug manufacturers spent $4.5 billion for ads in the last two years, a 30 percent increase, according to the AMA, and prices for prescription drugs rose almost 5 percent in the past year. “Patient care can be compromised and delayed when prescription drugs are unaffordable and subject to coverage limitations by the patients’ health plan,” Harris said. She noted ads encourage the use of newer brand-name drugs, when lower-cost medications may be just as effective.

The trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America says direct-to-consumer ads provide “scientifically accurate information to patients so that they are better informed about their health care and treatment options.” Spokesperson Tina Stow said the ads also encourage patients to visit their doctor “for important doctor-patient conversations about health that might otherwise not take place.”

Source: Join Together the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/ama-urges-end-direct-consumer-advertising-prescription-drugs

2015 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results

2015 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results

Polk County, FL – The 2015 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run took place on Saturday, November 7^th, continuing a 24-year tradition of InnerAct Alliance presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state. The Kids Fun Run was presented by InnerAct Alliance, event sponsor, MIDFlorida Credit Union, and finish line sponsor, Florida Dairy Farmers.

Nearly 1,700 students in grade K-8 pre-registered to participate in the Kids Fun Run, and received free registration, a commemorative Run t-shirt, a complimentary children’s book and refreshments. The event was held in conjunction with Polk County’s 3^nd Annual Red Ribbon Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., on a beautiful race course around picturesque Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland.

Congratulations to the following Kids Run Winners, as well as to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school winner of trophies for the largest percentage of participation students, based on school census number.

KINDERGARTEN
Girls                                                                                                      
Ava Jones, Sleepy Hill                                                     

Kemi Brown, Highlands Grove                                   
Alivia Fernandez, Highlands Grove                           

Boys

Jameson Carroll, Sikes

Parker Wilson, Lakeland Christian

Ayden Flores, Sikes

FIRST GRADE

Girls                                                                                                      
Haley Cookson, Highlands Grove                             
Lauren Limback, Polk City                                       
Lauren Lasater, Spessard Holland                          

Boys

Stryker Holmes, Medulla

Charles King, Philip O’Brien

George Sapp, Spessard Holland

SECOND GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
Lauren Jordan, Lincoln                                                  
Ava Hutchings, South McKeel                                    
Chabraeya Wilson, Jewett                                           

Boys

Brayden Abden, Lincoln

Ethan Roberts, Highlands Grove

Brody Smith, Lincoln

THIRD GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
Morgan Walsh, St. Paul Lutheran                             
Avery Smith, Lincoln                                                    

Margaret Jenkins, Jewett                                            

Boys

Paul N’cho-Rothrock, Carlton Palmore  

David Cookson, Highlands Grove

Logan Johnson, Lincoln                                                         

FOURTH GRADE
Girls                                                                                                     
Mahyla Miller, Scott Lake                                             

Scarlett McKendrick, Highlands Grove                    

Suzy Davis, South McKeel                                            

Boys

Jackson Winter, Lincoln

Connor Triplet, Medulla

Jihad Brown, Highlands Grove

FIFTH GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
Te’shantis Myrick, Philip O’Brien                             
Ryla Bryant, Wendell Watson                                  
Reese Hughes, Rochelle                                                               

Boys

Jamareon Bell, Highlands Grove

Daidren Zipperer, Philip O’Brien

Terrance Myrick, Philip O’Brien

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Girls - Daniela Guerrero, South McKeel                                                                                                 

Boys - Julian Cervantes, Berkley Accelerated Middle

PARTICIPATION TROPHIES

Top 3 Elementary Schools                                                            

Philip O’Brien Elementary                                                           
Highlands Grove Elementary
Spessard Holland Elementary

Top Middle School
Lakeland Highlands Middle

For additional details and event info, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. 

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run

Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County, FL – Polk County’s Annual Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 7, 2015 is just a week away! The Red Ribbon Run events, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners, MIDFlorida Credit Union and Florida Dairy Farmers, is a family weekend where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the Kids Fun Run.

Register by midnight on October 31, 2015 to save money on entry fees for the Half Marathon and 5K on the event website at www.RedRibbonHalf.com. The scenic run course will take place along picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area. Start time for the Half Marathon is 7:00 a.m., and the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. Check-in will begin at 6:00 a.m. for both races.

Kids Fun Run Registration for students in grades K-8 is FREE and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt for pre-registered participants, along with free refreshments! Registration check-in will take place at the Lake Mirror Auditorium, starting at 7:00 a.m. The Fun Run will start at 8:00 a.m. at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., in Lakeland, and follow a route that will loop around Lake Mirror and end back in the Promenade area. Awards will be given for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd place runners in gender categories, as well as to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school with the largest percentage of participating students, based on school census number.

Supporters can also participate in a Red Ribbon Virtual Race for the Half Marathon and 5K. Virtual race profiles can be created at www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation. For those who wish to track training efforts, your Garmin, Runkeeper, or Fitbit can be connected to automate workouts. Cost is $50 and participants receive a Red Ribbon Hero Nation t-shirt.

At the conclusion of the Run events, everyone is invited to stay to enjoy the Annual Veterans Day Parade at Lake Mirror Promenade with lots of red, white and blue events to honor our heroes, including a fly over presented by Draken International. Save on the cost of lunch for your family by visiting the event website at www.RedRibbonHalf.com (under race registration – race store tab) to pre-order a delicious BBQ sandwich, chips and a drink, provided by Jimbo’s Pit BarBQ. Kids’ meals are also available. Cost for lunch will be more expensive on event day!

For additional details and event info, please contact InnerAct Alliance's executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777 or visit the official event website at: www.redribbonhalf.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries 

InnerAct Alliance Awarded TD Charitable Foundation Grant

InnerAct Alliance Awarded TD Charitable Foundation Grant

Polk County, FL – InnerAct Alliance is the proud recipient of a generous grant from TD Charitable Foundation to support evidence-based prevention programming that also encompasses anti-bullying education. The grant, provided through TD Bank, will allow InnerAct Alliance to introduce the “Too Good for Drugs and Violence” program to three additional schools and approximately 330 more students in the Polk County Schools.

“Too Good for Drugs and Violence”, developed by the Mendez Foundation, has been approved by the Federal Government and is listed on the National Registry for Evidence Based Prevention Programs (NREEP). This indicates that the program has been through the scientific trial process and proven to be effective.

The objective of “Too Good for Drugs and Violence”, taught over a period of 10 weeks, is to increase skills for de-escalating potential bullying situations and to build skills that point students towards success in school and in life. We know statistically that the more successful an individual is in school, the less likely they are to become involved in risky behaviors. This innovative program has five interwoven components: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Bonding with Others, Identifying and Managing Emotions, and Communicating Effectively.

“InnerAct Alliance is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of the TD Charitable Foundation grant and we are extremely grateful to our prevention partners at TD Bank for their support!” said Angie Ellison, executive director. “The funding will allow our prevention education efforts to continue to expand and strengthen our students, schools, and community.”

InnerAct Alliance, formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center, has worked diligently for the past 30 years to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances along with involvement in other risky behaviors while supporting positive healthy decisions through: Community Awareness and Support; Prevention Education; Economic Impact; and Leadership Development. 

For additional information on InnerAct Alliance’s prevention programs and services in the community, please call (863) 802-0777.

UthMpact’s 2015 Project Homecoming Event – Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2015

Polk County, FL – With Homecoming season upon us, teen leaders from UthMpact are busy coordinating its first year of Project Homecoming to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students in our community who might not otherwise be able to afford the expense of a fun Homecoming celebration.

Student Shopping Days to distribute dresses and menswear to those in need will take place this weekend on Saturday, October 10^th, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, October 11^th, from Noon – 4:00 pm at Vintage Warehouse, 4308 Wallace Road, in Lakeland. High school students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project Homecoming Pledge promising to make smart, healthy decisions on the evening of Homecoming and receive their formal wear for FREE!

We are asking for assistance from our community to support this effort, along with our Spring Project Prom event, by donating gently used dresses, men’s suits, shoes, purses, and accessories. These items may be dropped off at Vintage Warehouse during the shopping event hours this weekend, or at the InnerAct Alliance office, 621 South Florida Avenue in Lakeland, weekdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

UthMpact is a coalition for teens by teens, empowering and educating teens to make healthy decisions and actions against alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.  Over the past three years, several hundred prom dresses and menswear have been provided to teens in need through the Project Prom effort in our community.

UthMpact's goal is to promote a fun and safe Homecoming night. For more information, please contact Emily Plank and Samantha Barwig, UthMpact Coordinators, at (863) 802-0777, or visit www.uthmpact.org

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County, FL –Building on InnerAct Alliance’s successful 20+ years of momentum in presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state, the popular Red Ribbon tradition continues with Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, November 7, 2015 in support of bullying and   substance abuse prevention, and in honor of our community’s many heroes.

The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc. and event partner MidFlorida Credit Union, is a Family Weekend where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the Kids Fun Run. The scenic run course will take place along picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area.  Early registration at www.RedRibbonHalf.com is encouraged! Start time for the Half Marathon is 7:00 a.m., and the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. Check-in will begin at 6:00 a.m. for both races.

A Kids Fun Run for students in grades K-8 begins at 8:00 a.m. Registration for the Fun Run is FREE and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt for pre-registered participants and free refreshments. Registration check-in will take place at the Lake Mirror Auditorium, at 7:00 a.m. The Fun Run will start and finish at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., in Lakeland, and follow a route that loops around Lake Mirror. Awards will be given for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place runners in gender categories, and to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school with the largest percentage of participating students, based on school census.

New this year, we have added a Red Ribbon Virtual Race to track training efforts for the Half Marathon and 5K. Virtual race profiles can be created at www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation and your Garmin, Runkeeper, or Fitbit can be connected to automate workouts. Cost is just $50 and participants receive a Red Ribbon Hero Nation t-shirt.

We are excited about a new partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council that includes the Annual Veterans Day Parade in event festivities. The parade will end at the Lake Mirror Promenade at the conclusion of the day’s races with lots of red, white and blue events to honor our heroes, including a fly over presented by Draken International! Visit www.RedRibbonHalf.com (under race registration – race store tab) to preorder a delicious family lunch of a BBQ sandwich, chips and a drink for just $6 or 2 for $10, provided by Jimbo’s Pit BarBQ. Kids’ meals are also available.

For additional details and event info, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. Info is also available at the official event website at: www.redribbonhalf.com, on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day - Saturday, September 26, 2015

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY
Saturday, September 26, 2015

Polk County, FL – StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of all unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Many Americans are not aware that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, and abuse. Studies show that many are obtained from the home medicine cabinet of family and friends. In addition, many people do not know how to properly dispose of unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will include 6 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins, and other medication in liquid and solid form, for safe and proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.  

Drop-off locations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm are:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 North Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications, excluding those in liquid form, may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop site locations at the Police Department locations in Auburndale, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven. Additionally, medications may be safely disposed of at home by dissolving them in water, mixing with coffee grounds or cat litter, pouring into a zip lock bag, and disposing in the trash. To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dump medications into the toilet.

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in over 6,500 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration.  For more information on the local Prescription Drug Take-Back event, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

UthMpact Business Etiquette Dinner Held on September 9, 2015

UthMpact Business Etiquette Dinner
September 9, 2015 

Polk County, FL - Students participating in the 2015-2016 UthMpact Leadership Class V attended a special Business Etiquette Dinner on Wednesday evening, September 9, 2015, at Grasslands Golf & Country Club.  The event was presented by UthMpact and sponsored by Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association.

The new UthMpact leaders, who represent almost every high school in the county, had an opportunity to network with representatives of the Leadership Lakeland Alumni, while practicing proper dinner and business etiquette and enjoying a delicious five-course meal. Special presentations during the evening were lead by Chrisanne Long, of Lakeland Business Leaders and Maximize Digital Media, and Jeanne Hebert, of Executives Etiquette.

UthMpact is the dynamic coalition of teen leaders committed to helping educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to teens by their peers. The Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business and community partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills and entails a two-day summer retreat; six Leadership Days spent traveling throughout the community; as well as participation in dozens of events and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

We are proud of the nearly 125 students representing almost every high school in the county who have been enriched by this program in its five years of existence. The group’s most prominent project has been its social-norms program that has impacted students in 8 area high schools with important messages about bullying, distracted driving, tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and prescription drugs.

For additional information on the UthMpact Leadership Program, please call Emily Plank or Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777. We invite interested teens to attend UthMpact’s monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Jim Keene Blvd. in Winter Haven, FL. Please visit the UthMpact website at www.UthMpact.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/UthmMpact.

InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk Recognize Supporters of Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program E-FORCSE

InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk Recognize

Supporters of Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program E-FORCSE

Polk County, FL – Prescription drug abuse is harmful to our community, but the encouraging news is that Florida has made many positive strides since 2010 to overcome the stigma of being known as the “Pill Mill Capital”.  The Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, known as E-FORCSE^® (Electronic-Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substance Evaluation Program), was created by the 2009 Florida Legislature to encourage safer prescribing of controlled substances and to reduce drug abuse and diversion within the state. E-FORCSE is currently utilized by over 600 Polk County individuals and practices to help doctors and pharmacists view the prescription history of patients to determine whether misuse may be taking place.

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition for a Drug Free Community are helping to further promote this important initiative to prevent prescription drug misuse in our county by distributing copies of the E-FORCSE "Prescriber and Pharmacist Registration Quick Guide" to those in the healthcare community not enrolled in the program and encouraging them to sign up.

We would like to recognize those who have recently agreed to utilize E-FORCSE in their practice:

Claude A. Hearn, D.M.D., P.A., Winter Haven

Robert W. Sutton, D.M.D., P.A., Lakeland

Jean Berlonge, M.D., Auburndale 

Lakeland Family Pharmacy, W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland

Lakeland Family Pharmacy, Innovation Dr., Lakeland 

CVS, SR 540 W, Winter Haven

Lea D. Wheeler, D.M.D., Lakeland 

F. George Mehanna, M.D., Lakeland 

Agnini Family Dental, Lakeland 

According to a 2014 Nova Southeastern University Study of Florida Physicians, "a majority of participants believe that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a useful tool for monitoring patients' controlled substance histories."  Locally, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has credited this program with assisting local law enforcement by reducing access to individuals who may possibly be doctor shopping.

For information on local support of the E-FORCSE initiative, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s CommunityResource Manager, Michelle Shiver, at (863) 802-0777, or by email: michelle.shiver@inneractalliance.org

Join the Red Ribbon Hero Nation as a Virtual Runner!

Here’s Another Exciting Way to Support
Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run

We have added a Red Ribbon Virtual Race!

RUNNERS – The Red Ribbon Virtual Race is a great new way to track your Half Marathon and 5K training! 

Simply log on to: www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation to create your profile between now and November 7. The site will explain everything you need to know and most of all it’s FUN! The cost is just $50 and participants receive a Hero Nation t-shirt. Connect your Garmin, Runkeeper, or Fitbit to automate workouts, or use manual entry on the My Progress page.

NON-RUNNERS – Even if you’re not a Runner, you can join the Red Ribbon Hero Nation as a Virtual Runner in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention!

Here’s how…log onto www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation to create your profile and register to virtually complete the Red Ribbon Half Marathon by running, walking, cycling, or even crawling the 13.1 distance between now and November 7. The site will explain everything you need to know and most of all it’s FUN! The Red Ribbon Virtual Race is just $50 and participants receive a Hero Nation t-shirt.

We hope to add YOU to Red Ribbon Hero Nation in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention! For more information, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777, or visit www.RedRibbonHalf.com, and www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation.

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run - Saturday, November 7, 2015

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday morning, November 7, 2015

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor, Publix Super Markets, Inc. is back and better than ever! Join us on Saturday morning, November 7, 2015 around picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area for a fun Family Weekend that continues a 24-year tradition of InnerAct Alliance presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state!

Activities include three races that will accommodate anyone in the family – parents can compete in the 13.1 mile Half Marathon or the 3.1 mile 5K, and elementary and middle school students can participate in the Kids Fun Run. All K-5 students receive complimentary registration and a commemorative run t-shirt, along with a FREE story book and refreshments!

In addition to the Red Ribbon activities already in place, we are extremely excited about a new partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council that will incorporate the tradition of the Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade. The annual parade will pass in front of the entire crowd assembled at the Lake Mirror Promenade after the run events and conclude our Be Your Own Hero Day!  Visit the Red Ribbon Run official race site at www.RedRibbonHalf.com today to sign up!