Happy Holidays!

E-Cigarettes and Vaping: Risky Business

E-Cigarettes and Vaping: Risky Business

While use of alcohol and tobacco products has decreased, e-cigarettes and vaping have increased in popularity as a way of “smoking” that American youth often perceive as harmless. One in three high school seniors have reported using a vape or e-cigarette in the past year in the annual poll of 45,000 students from 380 public and private secondary schools conducted by the University of Michigan for the 2018 Monitoring the Future Survey.

E-cigarettes range in size, flavor, and ingredients. Traditional e-cigarettes have a distinct cigarette taste. Vapes are small, refillable devices that heat flavored liquid into a vapor or mist. Devices used for vaping can be larger like a refillable lighter or fountain pen, or smaller and more discreet like a thumb drive. Most vape juices do not contain nicotine, but they can contain substances like THC, the chemical found in marijuana.  

Many types of substances can be put into a JUUL or e-cigarette. E-juice may contain different combinations and levels of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, water and various flavorings. While tobacco in e-cigarettes may not expose users to the same level of chemicals found in regular cigarettes, there are still many potentially cancer-causing chemicals in e-juice flavoring and tiny particles that can reach deep into the lungs. Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes. Some teen vapers report having bleeding gums and are developing what is now known as a “vaper’s cough.” Long-term health effects from frequent use of these types of chemicals are not yet known.

What is known is that e-cigarette and vape manufacturers specifically target youth with a wide variety of sugary vape liquids that include fruity, candy, and breakfast cereal flavors. Varieties named Skittles and Honey Nut Cereal make vaping appealing to young people and help create the illusion that the flavored substances used in vapes are less harmful - a fact confirmed in the Monitoring the Future Survey, which reported that children and teens believe that what they are vaping is “just flavoring.”

This is where the danger comes in. Because e-cigarettes, vapes, and the chemicals in flavorings used in them have not yet been widely studied, there are still many unanswered questions about the potential effects on the heart, lungs and immune system. Further research is needed to identify potential hazards associated with inhaling flavoring agents. Parents need to talk to their teens about the facts to let them know that the safest, healthiest choice is not to start using at all!

UthMpact Members Assist as Santa’s Elves

UthMpact Members Assist as Santa’s Elves

UthMpact members, Peyton Santo and Senaida Avalos, from Ft. Meade High School assisted in a Santa’s Workshop Holiday event on Saturday, December 8^th, at Crystal Lake Elementary School, and helped children make cute reindeer from candy canes. InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact were happy to be part of the free family event presented by Family Fundamentals and United Way Success By Six. In addition to making candy cane reindeer, children enjoyed photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Holiday story time, and kids under 6 received a free story book from Santa!

“Own the Upside…Avoid the Downside” Trailer Available to Local Groups & Organizations

Invite the “Own the Upside…Avoid the Downside” 

Trailer to Visit Your Organization!

We are proud to introduce an exciting new resource to educate parents of teens in our community, offered in partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Foundation. The “Own the Upside…Avoid the Downside” trailer is a mobile, interactive exhibit that houses 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 everyday items and seemingly ordinary belongings in the room.

Civic groups and organizations can support efforts to encourage healthy behaviors and reduce substance abuse by inviting an Own The Upside representative to visit with the “Own the Upside…Avoid the Downside” trailer and share an informative presentation. 

Call (863) 802-0777 or visit the OTUS web site at https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com/ to make arrangements for a presentation or for additional information.

2018 Project Homecoming

2018 Project Homecoming

UthMpact hosted its 5^th season of Project Homecoming to provide formal wear to teens in need. Student Shopping Days were held on Saturdays in September and October at the Project Prom store in Lakeland Square Mall. Over 150 students signed Project Hoco Pledges to celebrate substance-free and received their dresses and suits to wear to Homecoming for FREE!  

Community members are asked to please continue supporting this effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and other accessories. Formal wear donations may be dropped off year-round at the InnerAct Alliance office weekdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Most needed are larger-size dresses and smaller-size men’s attire. UthMpact’s goal is promote a fun and safe Homecoming night. 

Fall 2018 DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,164 lbs. of Medication

Fall 2018 DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back
 Event Nets 1,164 lbs. of Medication

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on October 27, 2018 for citizens to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication.

An estimated 1,164 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. The 9 drop-off sites that participated in the Fall Medication Take Back included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 16,717 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. All medications were safely disposed of via incineration. 

StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Thank You to the Generous 2018 Red Ribbon Sponsors!

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS

2018 SPONSORS OF THE 

RED RIBBON HALF MARATHON, 5K & KIDS FUN RUN

2018 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run Results Saturday, November 10, 2018

2018 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run Results

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Kudos to the nearly 10,000 participants, sponsors, spectators, vendors, law enforcement, staff, and volunteers who took part in the 2018 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance, Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners MIDFlorida Credit Union, Florida Dairy Farmers, Rainier Fruit Company, and other local business sponsors, on Saturday, November 10, 2018.

This event culminated one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state to support the prevention of substance abuse and bullying in our community.

Approximately 1,300 Runners ages Kindergarten through 80 years young laced up their running shoes and ran the beautiful course around Lake Mirror and throughout Lakeland.

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

InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run This Saturday!

InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run This Saturday!

Our community’s Red Ribbon tradition in support of substance abuse and bullying prevention continues this Saturday, November 10, 2018 with InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and Kids Run Sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. It’s a fun family event for adults to compete in the Half Marathon or 5K and K-8 students to participate in the Kids Fun Run.

The race course has been reversed this year for Adult Runners. The 5K and Half Marathon will begin at the Lake Mirror Complex east of beautiful downtown Lakeland. Along the course, participants will encounter some of Lakeland’s picturesque lakes and pass by Florida Southern College, home to the World’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. South of Lake Hollingsworth, the course will run along palm tree-lined Cleveland Heights Blvd. The southern portion offers rolling hills through some of our area’s scenic neighborhoods and parks.

Online Registration may be completed at www.RedRibbonHalf.com. Start time for the Half Marathon is 6:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 7:00 a.m. Packet pick-up for adult runners who have registered early will be held November 7-9 at FITniche Lakeland (1523 Town Center Drive). Late check-in on event day begins at 5:30 a.m. (Half Marathon) and 6:30 a.m. (5K).

The Kids Fun Run for K-8 students begins at 8:00 a.m., with check-in at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. There will be a $5 registration fee for kids who have not pre-registered. This includes a commemorative Run t-shirt and free refreshments. The Kids Run will start and finish at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Avenue. 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. The private school with the highest percentage of participation will also receive a trophy.

“The Annual Red Ribbon Run tradition encourages healthy family living, which reduces the likelihood of substance abuse, bullying, violence, and other risky behaviors,” said InnerAct Alliance’s Executive Director, Angie Ellison. “Please join us on Saturday by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at www.RedRibbonHalf.com or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries.”

Successful Annual Prevention Summit Held on October 15, 2018

Own The Upside's Successful Annual Prevention Summit Held on October 15, 2018

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition, along with our sponsorship partners Publix Super Markets Charities, Florida Department of Health-Polk County, Tobacco Free Florida, and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), were proud to host the 9^th Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on October, 15, 2018 at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City, FL to inform the public about important issues facing our community.

Nearly 100 participants took part in the Annual Summit including school board personnel, law enforcement, prevention specialists, and concerned citizens to hear informative guest speakers share a realistic view of current youth culture, emerging drug trends, judicial updates, school safety, and human trafficking. A few photos from the Prevention Summit are attached.

Attendees also had an opportunity to experience an exciting new resource to educate parents of teens in our community, offered in partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Foundation. The “Own The Upside…Avoid the Downside” trailer is a mobile, interactive exhibit that houses 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 everyday items and seemingly ordinary belongings in the room.

Civic groups and organizations can support efforts to encourage healthy behaviors and reduce substance abuse by inviting an Own The Upside representative to visit with the “Own the Upside…Avoid the Downside” trailer and share an informative presentation.

Own The Upside is an initiative of the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Florida founded on celebrating the positives! We often believe the discouraging news or negatives we hear and tend to forget there are some encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the “Upside.” Data collected through the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can positively impact children’s lives by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices.

Please call 802-0777 or visit the OTUS website at https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com for additional information. 

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY Saturday, October 27, 2018

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY
Saturday, October 27, 2018

StandUP Polk, local law enforcement agencies, and Polk County Waste & Recycling, are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 27, 2018, 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 provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication. Many Americans may not be 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.

Our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will include the following 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
Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Davenport Police Department - 16 Bay Street West, Davenport, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

An estimated 1,995 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected at the Spring Take Back event on April 28, 2018. The total for medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in an estimated 15, 553 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.

Register Now for Polk County’s Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Register Now for Polk County’s Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Our community’s Red Ribbon tradition in support of substance abuse and bullying prevention continues Saturday, November 10, 2018 with InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and Kids Run Sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. It’s a fun family event where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and K-8 students can participate in the Kids Fun Run.

The race course has been reversed this year for Adult Runners. The 5K and Half Marathon will begin at the Lake Mirror Complex east of beautiful downtown Lakeland. Along the course, participants will encounter some of Lakeland’s picturesque lakes and pass by Florida Southern College, home to the World’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. South of Lake Hollingsworth, the course will run along palm tree-lined Cleveland Heights Blvd. The southern portion offers rolling hills through some of our area’s scenic neighborhoods and parks.

Early Registration is encouraged at www.RedRibbonHalf.com. Start time for the Half Marathon is 6:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 7:00 a.m. Packet pick-up for adult runners will be held November 7-9 at FITniche Lakeland (1523 Town Center Drive). Late check-in on event day begins at 5:30 a.m. (Half Marathon) and 6:30 a.m. (5K).

The Kids Fun Run for K-8 students begins at 8:00 a.m., with check-in at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. The Fun Run is FREE for those who pre-register before November 1^st ($5 fee after 11/1/18) and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt and free refreshments. The Kids Run will start and finish at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Avenue. 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. The private school with the highest percentage of participation will also receive a trophy.

“The Annual Red Ribbon Run tradition encourages healthy family living, which reduces the likelihood of substance abuse, bullying, violence, and other risky behaviors,” said InnerAct Alliance’s Executive Director, Angie Ellison. “Please join us on November 10^th by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at www.RedRibbonHalf.com or on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries.”

9th Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit Monday, October 15, 2018

9^th Annual Prevention Summit

Monday, October 15, 2018

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition, along with our sponsorship partners Publix Super Markets Charities, Florida Department of Health-Polk County, Tobacco Free Florida, and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), are proud to present the 9^th Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Monday, October, 15, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lake Eva Banquet Hall in Haines City, FL to inform the public about important issues facing our community.

The Annual Prevention Summit presents an opportunity for School Resource Officers, Administrators, Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Prevention Specialists to gain up-to-date information with a realistic view of current positive youth culture, emerging drug trends, judicial updates, e-cigarettes, and bullying. Continuing education units are available. Sheriff Grady Judd will address participants and the entire day will be filled with excitement and energy provided by emcee, Patrick T. Grady, of TNT Enterprises. Breakfast and check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Participation is FREE for School Board Employees and Law Enforcement Officers, and registration is required by calling the Mark Wilcox Center at (863) 291-5355. A $25.00 fee will be required for Non-School Board and Non-Law Enforcement attendees who may register online. Registration and updates on the Prevention Summit topics and presentation times can be found at https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com/events.

Own The Upside is an initiative of the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Florida founded on celebrating the positives! We often believe the discouraging news or negatives we hear and tend to forget there are some encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the “Upside.” Data collected through the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can impact children’s lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices.

FAMILY DAY: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children Monday, September 24, 2018

FAMILY DAY: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children
Monday, September 24, 2018

Next Monday, September 24, 2018 is Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children! Family Day began in 2001 as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to help kids grow up safe, healthy, and drug free. Research has found that the more frequently children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they will be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances.

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners in Own the Upside are asking folks to take a family selfie and use the hashtag #myfamilyselfie to share on the Own The Upside Polk Facebook page showing how families celebrate together. 

Link to Own The Upside Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/owntheupsidepolk/

Please help us spread the message to your family, friends, and neighbors and encourage everyone to participate in Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 24, 2018!

Own the Upside is an initiative of the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Central Florida founded on a single idea: celebrate the positives! We believe in providing positive messages to parents and adults regarding the truth about our Youth Culture. For more information, please contact Angie Ellison, Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance, at (863) 802-0777.

UthMpact Coordinates 2018 Project Hoco Shopping Days

UthMpact Coordinates 2018 Project Hoco Shopping Days

With Fall football games in full swing that means it’s almost Homecoming! UthMpact is proud to present the 4^th season of Project Homecoming to provide formal wear to teens in need. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project Hoco Pledge to celebrate drug-free and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

Student Shopping Days for Project Hoco are scheduled for Saturdays September 29 & October 13, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm, and Saturdays, October 20 & 27, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Project Prom store in Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98N, in Lakeland (between Sears and Food Court).

Community members are also asked to support this effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and other accessories. Formal wear donations may be dropped off on the shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

UthMpact’s goal is promote a fun and safe Homecoming night. For more information, please contact Samantha Barwig, UthMpact Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.

School’s Out – Make It A Safe & Enjoyable Summer!

School’s Out – Make It A Safe & Enjoyable Summer!

Everyone loves summer – especially teens as they celebrate their accomplishments during the school year and look forward to enjoying relaxing days and fun activities with friends and family. But since teens also tend to spend more time unsupervised during the summer months, it is an especially important time for parents to set clear expectations about behavior and help teens make smart decisions to stay safe and avoid risky situations.

 Did you know that…

On an average summer day, over 11,000 adolescents between ages 12-17 try alcohol for the first time and about 5,000 teens report first time cigarette use. More than 4,500 teens start using marijuana during June and July.

An average of 10 teens between ages 16-19 die in car accidents each day between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a period known as the 100 Deadliest Days for teens on the road.

Teens who drink and use drugs are more inclined to have unprotected sex and are more susceptible to addiction when they begin using before age 21.

Good News is that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports 80% of children credit their parents as the biggest influence in their decisions about drinking and drugs. Open family communication helps teens understand the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse and reassures them that they can still have fun while staying out of harm’s way.

How Can Parents Help Teens Stay Healthy & Positive During Summer?

Talk About Alcohol/Substance Abuse Early and Often – An average child may try alcohol for the first time by age 11, so start conversations early in your child’s life to establish ongoing communication as they grow older. Short, frequent talks are often more effective than having one big talk.

Set Reasonable Limits – Establishing boundaries is important especially during the summer when teens have more time on their hands. This may include agreed-upon limits on curfew, technology use, chores, use of the car, rules on having friends over, etc. 

Check-In and Be Aware – Know what your kids are doing and who they will be spending time with. Have teens check in often about where they will be and what their plans are.

Spend Time Together as a Family – Planned vacations are great, but so are day trips together to a local pool, waterpark, or museum.

Summer is a great time to re-connect with your children and strengthen family bonds after the busy routine of the school year. Please stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

New Changes for the 2018 RED RIBBON HALF MARATHON, 5K & KIDS RUN Saturday, November 10th

New Changes for the
2018 RED RIBBON HALF MARATHON, 5K and KIDS RUN
Saturday, November 10

The countdown to race day is on! Register now for the Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, November 10, 2018 around the picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and lake to lake area!  

Start Time
  6:30 am for Half Marathon
  7:00 am for 5K
8:00 am for Kids Fun Run

Lake Mirror Promenade at 121 S. Lake Avenue, Lakeland

Early Registration is Encouraged at www.RedRibbonHalf.com

The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., InnerAct Alliance, and Kids Run partner MidFlorida Credit Union, is a Family Event where adults can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and K-8 students can participate in the Kids Fun Run, all in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention. See information on the following page about our exciting new Course Route!

The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:00 a.m. with check-in at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium. The Fun Run is FREE for K-8 students who pre-register before November 1^st ($5 fee after 11/1/18) and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt and free refreshments. The Kids Run will start and finish at Lake Mirror Promenade and follow a route 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. The private school with the highest percentage of participation will receive a trophy. Registration and info are available at www.RedRibbonHalf.com.

2018 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run News

2018 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Fun Run News

This Year’s New & Improved Course!

The Half Marathon will begin at the Lake Mirror Complex just east of downtown Lakeland.  Along the course you will encounter some of Lakeland’s beautiful lakes.  Twice you will pass Florida Southern College, home to the World's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.  Just south of Lake Hollingsworth, you will run along the palm tree lined Cleveland Heights Blvd.  The southern portion of the course offers rolling hills through some of Lakeland’s scenic neighborhoods.  On the last portion of the course, you will pass three lakes before a quick jaunt through downtown to the finish line at Lake Mirror.

The Red Ribbon Half Marathon Course and Distance has been officially certified by the Road Running Technical Council – USA Track & Field. Certification Code #FL16038TY.

For more info visit:

www.RedRibbonHalf.com

www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries

Congratulations to 2018-2019 InnerAct Alliance Board Members

Congratulations to 2018-2019 InnerAct Alliance Board Members

InnerAct Alliance held its Annual Board of Directors Planning Retreat on Monday, June 11^th at The Village Inn’s Community Room in Lakeland to accomplish long-range planning for the agency’s programs and services.  

Congratulations to 2018-2019 Board Members:  

Executive Committee - Hazel Sellers, Past President; Jeanette Crowley, President; Lesley Corban, Vice President; Willie Mincey, 2nd Vice President; Ginny Wolfe, Treasurer; Lori Edwards, Secretary; Dub Palmore, Member At Large. 

Board of Directors - Sgt. Sean Finney, Brandon Flynn, Captain Ken Hall, Karen King, Misty Peacock, LuAnne Sadowsky, Catherine Simon, Danielle Springfels, Lori Winstead.

Exciting Community News Coming Soon!

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partner, StandUP Polk, are excited about a new substance abuse prevention education project designed to help parents of teens recognize clues that could signal potential involvement in drugs and other risky behaviors visible in plain sight or easily concealed in everyday items in their teen’s room. 

Even though most of our kids are doing the right thing, there are signs to watch for to know that they may be headed 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, especially for our youth. We hope to be able to share this exciting new resource with parents of teens in our community very soon!

Exciting Plans Ahead for the 2018-2019 UthMpact Leadership Class VIII

Exciting Plans Ahead for 2018-2019UthMpact Leadership Class VIII

Students from Polk County high schools have been nominated by their school principals and community members to participate in the 2018-2019 UthMpact Leadership Class VIII. This unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills.

On June 4-6, 2018, the UthMpact Executive Board headed down to Anna Maria Island for a fun and intensive training retreat. Students learned how to run a professional meeting, perfect their public speaking skills, and began planning UthMpact Leadership Class VIII activities for the coming year.

Students will attend a DiSC Profile Training and Etiquette Dinner this summer. Beginning in September, the youth leaders will travel throughout the county once a month to experience the inner workings of local business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The teens will meet with influential leaders to discuss challenges faced in the community and suggest proactive solutions. Good luck to our new UthMpact Student Leaders!