Family Fun Prevention Activities for National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

Family Fun Prevention Activities for
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week

March 30-April 5, 2020

The week of March 30-April 5, 2020 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a week devoted to empowering teens with resources so they can SHATTER THE MYTHS about drugs and alcohol. 

Here's a list of Fun Activities for Families to do together:

 Play Kahoot! Marijuana Myths: Can You Tell Fact From Fiction?

Take the National Drug and; Alcohol IQ Challenge

Play the Jeopardy-style interactive game: Drug Facts Challenge!

Take an exploration on Brain Power! to learn the effects of drugs on the body

To learn more about science-based information on teen drug use and its effects, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (NIDA) website at: https://teens.drugabuse.gov/

Take Part in National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: March 30 – April 5, 2020

InnerAct Alliance is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to celebrate National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week from March 30 to April 5, 2020 and connect students with science-based resources to SHATTER THE MYTHS about drugs and alcohol.

With families spending more time at home to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this is an opportune time for parents to engage in meaningful discussion with their children to share fact-based information about drugs and alcohol. Knowledge can help teens make informed decisions and help families stay healthy and substance-free.  

According to the 2019 Monitoring the Future Survey, which annually tracks substance abuse outcomes among U.S. adolescents:

Marijuana continues to be the most used illicit drug by adolescents

1-in-4 12^th graders reported vaping nicotine in the past month, along with 1-in-5 10^th graders, and nearly 1-in-10 8^th graders

Many teens say they vape for the flavor, to experiment, for social reasons, or to feel good

From 2018-2019, the number of 12^th graders saying they vape because they are “hooked” more than doubled to 8.1%, up from 3.6%

Our agency's youth coalition, UthMpact, has compiled the following "UthMpact Facts" to share the reality that most Polk County teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. This can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel more confident to make informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts.

87% of Polk County students DO NOT use marijuana
96% of Polk County students DO NOT use tobacco
98% of Polk County students DO NOT ABUSE prescription drugs
88% of Polk County students DO NOT use e-cigs or vape
84% of Polk County students DO NOT use alcohol

Please visit the NIDA for Teens website at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week for more information and free science-based resources and activities to help teens learn the real facts about the effects of various drugs on the brain and their body. We hope you stay safe & healthy!

Update: DEA National Medication Take Back Day Canceled

Project Prom Update: Shopping Days on March 21 and April 4 Postponed

In light of the state of affairs and health concerns surrounding spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact have decided to POSTPONE the remaining Project Prom Shopping Days on Saturdays, March 21 and April 4. 

We hope that everyone will understand that this precautionary action has been taken to ensure that our customers, staff, and volunteers remain safe during this challenging time.

Thank you and please stay safe and healthy! 

2020 Project Prom Shopping Days

The exciting countdown to Prom has begun but unfortunately for some teens the expense could make attending prom out of reach. InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 8^th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents in our community about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project Prom Pledge to celebrate being drug-free and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

Project Prom Student Shopping Days are underway at the Project Prom Store, located in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (old Sears wing). A Grand Opening took place on February 29 with a ribbon cutting by Lakeland City Commissioner, Philip Walker, and 50 students celebrated with complimentary prom attire. A Project Prom pop-up shop was also held on February 15 at the Auburndale Methodist Church where 20 students received free prom attire. This was a new addition to reach out to students and families from outlying areas of our community who may have transportation challenges travelling to the store in Lakeland.

Additional shopping days at the Project Prom Store will take place on Saturday, March 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm., and Saturday, April 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm.

Community members may 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 at the Project Prom Store 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 Prom Night. For more information, please contact Samantha Barwig, UthMpact Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.