2022 Project Prom Shopping Days

 

2022 Project Prom Shopping Days

Countdown to Prom has begun Countdown to Prom has begun but unfortunately the expenses associated with this special social event could make attending prom out of reach for some teens. InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

Plans are underway for the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). Student Shopping Days will be held on Saturdays: February 12, February 26, March 12, March 26, and April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We ask for everyone's patience and understanding as capacity in the store will be limited due to COVID precautions. 

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women’s dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men’s dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays), or at select Polk County Public High Schools. 

UthMpact’s goal is promote a fun and safe Prom Night. For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.

New Funding Will Expand Prevention Programs Offered by InnerAct Alliance

NEW FUNDING WILL EXPAND PREVENTION PROGRAMS

OFFERED BY INNERACT ALLIANCE

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have received grant funding that will allow the agency to provide expanded and innovative substance abuse prevention services for students and communities in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

New programming will offer instruction to maximize drug literacy and promote social emotional growth in today's children. One program is targeted to middle and high school and offers an eye-catching campaign of marketing approaches that will shift perception regarding gateway substance abuse. There are also substance abuse prevention courses that can educate the students on critical knowledge and resistance skills needed to thrive in a world where alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are offered to most kids by age 12. Another program is targeted to elementary school and focuses on social emotional learning which encourages students to communicate in a positive way and treat humans and animals with fairness, tolerance, and kindness. Lessons will be taught by a humane educator trained to provide the most effective approaches to prevent substance abuse and bullying as well as promote empathy and critical thinking to help youth succeed in all aspects of life. Parents are invited to participate in learning activities by discussing topics covered in the lessons with their children that may lead to enjoyable and enriching conversations at home.

Grant funding will help expand efforts to reinforce positive messaging that most students are not involved in risky behaviors. Lessons focused on social norms data encourage young people to rethink their position and change perception about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Knowing the Facts can help youth avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after learning the reality that most teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. 

“InnerAct Alliance is extremely grateful for additional funding to educate about risk factors that face our community in the wake of the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, but it comes with a catch…” said Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance executive director. “In order for our agency to retain this funding, we must match funds through monetary donations and in-kind services that total nearly $400,000. Individual and community donations will go a long way to help our kids!”

Community engagement & support are vital to continue our agency’s funding! The community can support the prevention efforts of InnerAct Alliance by visiting https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1. Every dollar donated is matched by $4.00 so your donation can provide more children, teens, parents, and families with the tools to be successful in life that will lead to a brighter future for our entire community.

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. Staff education specialists provide evidence-based substance abuse and bullying prevention for nearly 15,000 students in 70 elementary, middle, and high schools each year through highly effective programs such as Too Good for Drugs, Too Good for Violence, Keep a Clear Mind, Project ALERT, PAX Game, and Life Skills. 

Only 4 Days Remain to Bid on Lakeland Magic 90’s Throwback Jerseys

 

 

4 Days Left to Bid!

Only 4 days remain for fans of the Lakeland Magic and supporters of InnerAct Alliance to bid on special game-worn black and white striped Lakeland Magic 90's Throwback Jerseys that look just like the #32 jersey worn by 4-time NBA Champion and Orlando Magic super star Shaquille O'Neal!

Fans can bid on Lakeland Magic Game-Worn Autographed 90’s Theme Jerseys in an online auction, open until Tuesday, January 18, on Live Source bit.ly/3KdLcJF featuring players: Devonte Bando, Hassani Gravett, BJ Johnson, Admiral Schofield, Samir Doughty, Aleem Ford, Ignas Brazdeikis, TJ Haws, Jeremiah Tilman Jr., Davin Cannady, Dylan Smith, Devonte Patterson, and Jaire Grayer.

Jerseys feature the InnerAct Alliance logo on the back. Auction proceeds benefit the Lakeland-based nonprofit whose mission is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances in our community.

Monitoring the Future Survey Reports Adolescent Drug Use Fell Sharply in 2021

 

According to data released in the recent Monitoring the Future Survey, 2021 saw the largest one-year decrease in overall illicit substance abuse reported among adolescents since 1975. 

The MTF Survey, conducted annually by the University of Michigan, measures drug and alcohol use and related attitudes among 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students. Researchers gathered over 32,000 surveys between February and June 2021 from students in U.S. public and private schools. Analysis of survey data found that adolescents in all three grades reported significant decreases in substances most commonly used - alcohol, marijuana, and vaped nicotine.

Declines in the use of substances among teens include:

ALCOHOL: percentage of students reporting use of alcohol within the past year decreased significantly for 10th and 12th grade students but remained stable for 8th graders

8th graders: 17.2% reported using alcohol in past year in 2021 - steady compared to 20.5% in 2020 (not a significant decrease)

10th graders: 28.5% reported using alcohol in past year in 2021 - statistically significant decrease from 40.7% in 2020

12th graders: 46.5% reported using alcohol in past year in 2021 - statistically significant decrease from 55.3% in 2020

MARIJUANA: percentage of students reporting use of marijuana in all forms, including smoking and vaping, within the past year decreased significantly across the board

8th graders: 7.1% reported using marijuana in the past year in 2021 - compared to 11.4% in 2020

10th graders: 17.3% reported using marijuana in the past year in 2021 - compared to 28.0% in 2020

12th graders: 30.5% reported using marijuana in the past year in 2021 - compared to 35.2% in 2020

VAPING NICOTINE: Vaping continues to be the predominant method of nicotine consumption among young people, though percentage of students who reported vaping nicotine within the past year decreased significantly 

8th graders: 12.1% reported vaping nicotine in the past year in 2021, compared to 16.6% in 2020

10th graders: 19.5% reported vaping nicotine in the past year in 2021, compared to 30.7% in 2020

12th graders: 26.6% reported vaping nicotine in the past year in 20201, compared to 34.5% in 2020

ANY ILLICIT DRUG, OTHER THAN MARIJUANA: percentage of students who reported using any illicit drug (other than marijuana) within the past year was cut nearly in half

8th graders: 4.6% reported using any illicit drug (other than marijuana) in past year in 2021, compared to 7.7% in 2020

10th graders: 5.1% reported using any illicit drug (other than marijuana) in past year in 2020, compared to 8.6% in 2020

12th graders: 7.2% reported using any illicit drug (other than marijuana) in past year in 2021, compared to 11.4% in 2020

Significant declines in use were also reported across a wide range of drugs for many of the age cohorts, including for cocaine, hallucinogens, and non-medical use of amphetamines, tranquilizers, and prescription opioids.

While overall results are optimistic, it should be noted that data was collected in the early months of 2021 when many students continued to learn remotely from home. Students were also surveyed on mental health with findings showing moderate increases across all age-groups in feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, worry, sleep difficulties, and other negative health indicators since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is more important now than ever to remain proactive to ensure that prevention efforts are prioritized so youth will feel supported, be provided with access to care, and empowered with knowledge and essential coping skills so they will not be tempted to initiate into substance use and other risky behaviors for their overall health and well-being.

For more information, please visit:

http://monitoringthefuture.org/data/21data.htm 

https://news.umich.edu/teen-use-of-illicit-drugs-decreased-in-2021-as-the-covid-19-pandemic-continued/

Prevention Begins at Home – Learn to Recognize Signs of Substance Abuse!

 

Prevention Begins at Home
Learn to Recognize Signs of Substance Abuse

Walk into an average teen's room and you'll likely find piles of clothing on the floor, scattered school supplies on a desk, and a range of personal care products on the vanity. Nothing unusual for parents raising teenagers, but looks can be deceiving. Critical insights about teen behavior can be found within that clutter and correcting risky behaviors early is key to successful prevention.

Most kids are doing the right thing, however there are signs to watch for if they're heading in the wrong direction. Own the Upside is a campaign to help prevent hard and promote health for our youth. We are proud to partner with Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc. to offer an exciting resource to educate parents of teens in our community about potential warning signs.

The "Own the Upside...Avoid the Downside" trailer is a one-of-a-kind interactive mobile exhibit housing a replica of a teens' bedroom. Parents have an opportunity to tour through a simulated teen's bedroom, learn about current trends, and interact with dozens of items on display that reveal how even the most common objects visible in plain sight or easily concealed in ordinary everyday items may signal potential involvement in drugs and risky behaviors. You will be enlightened by what you learn and walk away with important resources to help your child safely navigate their teen years.

Your church, business, school PTA, or organization can support the prevention effort by inviting a representative to visit with the OTUS trailer and share an informative presentation with those who play a pivotal role in educating youth about making healthy choices. The trailer requires a minimum parking space of 9 feet wide by 20 feet long at your location. 

Due to the nature of the material covered, the exhibit is open to adults only. To schedule a presentation, please call (863) 802-0777 or visit https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com/about-us today. 

Bid on Lakeland Magic Game-Worn Autographed 90's Theme Jersey with Proceeds to Support InnerAct Alliance

 

InnerAct Alliance is excited to partner with the Lakeland Magic to offer an opportunity for fans and supporters to bid on a Lakeland Magic Game-Worn Autographed 90’s Theme Jersey in an online auction that will take place from January 8 – January 18, 2022 on Live Source.

Special themed player-worn uniform jerseys from the game between the Lakeland Magic and the College Park Skyhawks on January 8 feature the InnerAct Alliance logo on the back. The Lakeland Magic, the NBA G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, staged an exciting comeback win from down 24 points to defeat the Skyhawks 112-102 in the game. 

Bid now on Magic Jerseys worn and autographed by players:

Devonte Bandoo
Hassani Gravett
BJ Johnson
Admiral Schofield
Samir Doughty
Aleem Ford
Ignas Brazdeikis
TJ Haws
Jeremiah Tilman Jr.
Devin Cannady
Dylan Smith
Devonte Patterson
Jaire Grayer

All proceeds from the auction will benefit InnerAct Alliance, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency in Lakeland, Florida whose mission is to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances along with involvement in other risky behaviors through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support/ and Leadership Development. For information, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Link to auction: bit.ly/3KdLcJF       

Outbreak Alert: Severe Bleeding Associated with Recent Synthetic Cannabinoid “Spice” Use

InnerAct Alliance is joining with the Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa to alert the public about an ongoing outbreak of severe bleeding associated with Synthetic Cannabinoid ("Spice") use in Hillsborough County. The situation is being closely monitored throughout the state of Florida.

During the month of December 2021, 42 patients were hospitalized with severe bleeding after using synthetic cannabinoids ("spice") purchased locally that resulted in two deaths. Symptoms tend to develop and progress at a rapid rate, so if you or someone you know has recently used Spice and is experiencing serious side effects including severe bleeding, please go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Quick Facts about Synthetic Cannabinoids ("Spice"):

Man-made drugs from dried plant materials sprayed with lab-made chemicals that can affect the brain

Made to mimic marijuana - stimulates the same receptors in the body as marijuana, but much more potent

Known by many 'street' names: Black Mamba, Bliss, k2, Bombay Blue, Genie, Zohai, etc.

Route of use is typically smoking, inhaled, or used as a tea

Side effects are unpredictable, progress rapidly, and may be life-threatening

Poison Control Center experts are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 to provide fast, free, confidential help for poison emergencies or questions.

Happy New Year from InnerAct Alliance!

Our InnerAct Alliance Team wishes everyone a safe and healthy 2022! We are committed to serving our community with informative substance abuse prevention education to prevent harm and promote health. 

Please visit our website at www.inneractalliance.org to learn about the many programs and services we offer to citizens in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. 

Looking forward to a great 2022! 

Social Norms - Changing Perception Can Change Behavior!

 

Social Norms
Changing Perception Can Change Behavior

Peer pressure may arise from feeling a need to do something one may not normally choose to do in hope of being accepted by those we perceive to be in the majority. Perception of what others think or do can be a powerful influence no matter our age, but pre-teens and teens are most susceptible because the opinions of classmates and peers have become increasingly more important at this age. If kids are under the impression that they are among the few in their school who do not drink, smoke, or use other substances, then that becomes their perception - or their truth - and it may influence the choices they make. But what if their perception isn't really based in fact?

Let's start 2022 on a Positive Note! Social Norms Campaigns can make a difference to help teens rethink their position and change perception about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Students tend to be more receptive to listening to their peers, especially those who may be a bit older and serving in leadership positions.

Over the past decade, UthMpact, the youth component of the drug free coalition for Polk County comprised of high school student leaders, has taken an active role to "normalize" perceptions regarding risky behaviors by providing a social norm marketing campaign to share "UthMpact Facts" that promote the positives in Polk Youth Culture. This powerful peer to peer approach is based on statistics collected among Polk County youth and published in the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS). "UthMpact Facts" shares the reality that most POLK TEENS ARE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES by choosing NOT to drink, smoke, or use substances. 

Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts. 

FUNdraising Opportunity with the Lakeland Magic Coming Up on Saturday, January 8th

 

FUNdraising Opportunity with the Lakeland Magic
Saturday Night, January 8, 2022

InnerAct Alliance is excited to partner with the Lakeland Magic for a fun 90's Night throwback game on Saturday, January 8, as the Lakeland Magic take on the College Park Skyhawks at 7:00 PM at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

InnerAct Alliance's logo will be featured on a special themed uniform jersey worn by a Lakeland Magic player and auctioned off after the game with proceeds benefiting our agency as well as other local 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. InnerAct Alliance representatives will also be on hand Saturday night to distribute prevention materials pre-game.

You can help raise funds for InnerAct Alliance by bidding on our special player-worn Lakeland Magic Jersey! A link to the LiveSource site for the Jersey Auction will be posted soon.

For tickets and info for the 90's Night Magic game, please visit: https://offer.fevo.com/lakeland-magic-vs-college-park-nqbgucl-dba4604?fevoUri=lakeland-magic-vs-college-park-nqbgucl-dba4604%2F 

Go Magic!