Please Support InnerAct Alliance on Giving Tuesday - Tomorrow, November 29, 2022

 

Tomorrow, Tuesday November 29th, is Giving Tuesday – a day of giving back to nonprofits within your community, either monetarily or in actions supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Nonprofits rely on donations from the public to continue funding education, research, advocacy, and support programs to further their missions. Each act of generosity has the power to transform our communities and our world. Giving Tuesday has grown from a simple concept in 2012 to a global celebration and nearly 35 million adults in the U.S. participated in this worthwhile effort last year. 

If a GivingTuesday or Holiday Donation is within your means, please consider supporting InnerAct Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency established in 1985 to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. We would appreciate your donation to cover the cost of materials to expand prevention programs in Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Central Florida.

Researchers have observed increases in substance abuse, overdoses, and mental health issues in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, our kids may potentially suffer adverse effects for years to come. To help meet the challenges, InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, share a common goal to expand prevention initiatives, which include science-based education to nearly 15,000 students in 70 elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as outreach to over 100,000 citizens via informative presentations and social norms messaging, a premier youth leadership program, and family-oriented awareness events such as the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign and motivational rallies for fifth-grade students countywide. Additional funding will go a long way to further efforts to inform and educate more students about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, vaping, narcotics, bullying, mental health, and other risky behaviors.

Please visit https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1 to make a tax deductible donation. The link will be live through early January 2023 and acknowledgement will be sent upon receipt of your gift. You may also mail your gift to: InnerAct Alliance, 621 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801, call (863) 802-0777, or visit our website www.inneractalliance.org. Thank you for your support of the prevention education mission of InnerAct Alliance. We wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season!

Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Nets Nearly 600 lbs. of Medications

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back for Polk County residents to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication, as well as vitamins, syringes, E-cig devices, and JUULs for proper disposal. 

On October 29, 2022, the Davenport Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Hamilton Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department collected 596.7 pounds of pharmaceuticals to be safely disposed of via incineration. The latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 26,564.5 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010.    

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by the Givewell Community Foundation in Lakeland, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (100 Smith Avenue, weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  Note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes – no liquids or syringes. Medication should not be flushed to avoid harming lakes and ground water. 

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.

Happy Thanksgiving from InnerAct Alliance!

 

Thanksgiving brings friends and family together to give thanks for what we have in each other and in life. But, giving thanks need not be reserved for turkey day alone. 

Giving thanks can have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Making gratitude a part of your daily routine can decrease blood pressure and improve immunity, while enhancing the empathy we have for others. Expressing thanks can strengthen our ability to overcome the stumbling blocks we face during difficult times and contribute to a happier, healthier, fulfilling life. 

So give thanks for what you have every day. It doesn't cost a thing, and it feels so good!

Happy Thanksgiving Wishes from the
Board of Directors and Staff at
InnerAct Alliance!

Take Time for November Self-Care

 

November is the start of a very busy time of year. While you count your blessings, remember that YOU are an important part of this world too!

Reports of a New Surge in Ketamine Drug Seizures Across the U.S.

 

The CDC reports that drug poisonings in America are at a record high. Over 107,622 people died from a drug overdose last year with 70% caused by synthetic opioids like Fentanyl. 

As if the Fentanyl crisis isn’t concerning enough, a new alarming trend on the streets shows that Ketamine, an anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects, is being combined with other drugs to give users an increased high that is a potentially lethal one. Ketamine is also known as the date rape drug “Special K”.

Officers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that the number of Ketamine seizures at JFK Airport in New York has increased significantly from 50 kilos in 2020 to 400 kilos in 2022 – a rise of 700%. Shipping routes for these drugs are coming from all different countries. Customs and Border Protection agents on the front line are deploying a multi-layered approach using drug-detecting dogs, handheld drug-detecting devices, x-ray machines, and other tools to track and control distribution of these harmful drugs across our nation.

Staying on top of current drug trends like this helps bring light to the potential risks we face in today’s world and increases the importance of staying informed and vigilant to protect our own health and safety.

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact in the Community!

 

 

InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact youth coalition are grateful our new partnership with Florida Polytechnic University to share wellness initiatives and social norms on campus. James from our staff was on hand to speak with students on November 17th to celebrate the Great American Smoke Out and share helpful tobacco cessation resources and other information.

Quit Smoking Today to Celebrate the Great American Smoke Out – November 17th

 

Today, November 17th, is The American Cancer Society's Great American Smoke Out and InnerAct Alliance is joining with Tobacco Free Florida to encourage Floridians to make a pledge to quit smoking now to celebrate. Let today be YOUR DAY to start your journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life! 

Many adult smokers say they want to quit, but quitting smoking is hard and may require several attempts. Creating a plan and using proven-effective resources can significantly increase your chances to successfully kick the habit for good. You don't have to stop smoking in one day - and you don't have to do it alone!

Tobacco Free Florida's Quit Your Way program offers Floridians free tobacco cessation resources such as a "Quit Coach" who will help you access a personalized quit plan. You also have an option to join a Group Quit Session led by a trained specialist. With this program, you will have access to a two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to help you become tobacco free. Other services include text support, a Quit Guide, and helpful emails - all provided free of charge. 

You can do this! If you or a loved one is interested in learning about the available tools to assist in quitting smoking, call 1-877-848-6696 or visit their website at Tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway

Talking Helps Teens Stay Safe and Avoid Risky Behaviors

 

Pushing boundaries is a normal part of being a teenager because it helps develop independence. As youth start to become more independent, it’s also important that they are aware of some behaviors that may put them at risk. 

Thanks to our prevention partners at InformedFamilies.org for offering some common-sense safety precautions that parents can share with their teens to help them stay safe and informed:  

Online Safety

Never reveal personal information to strangers
Always log out of accounts
Use the highest privacy settings available
Always select a strong password
Never share passwords with friends
Never send revealing photos to friends
Always keep your drink with you to prevent anyone from "slipping" something into it

Personal Safety

Always let someone know where you are at all times
Never meet up with someone you met online
Make sure your cellphone is charged and with you at all times
Keep headphones and ear buds on low volume when out walking/jogging - better yet, leave them off
Be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't feel right, leave
If you're accosted, don't be afraid to make a scene: yell, wave your arms, yell fire - anything to attract attention

Driving Safety

Never text and drive
Never drink and drive
Never take drugs and rive
Never ride with a driver who is drinking, doing drugs, or texting
Always lock car doors when driving and leaving the car
Always park in well-lit areas at night
Keep your keys in hand as you approach your car
If you feel unsafe, ask someone to walk you to your car
If you're being followed, don't speed up or stop: Call 911, report your location, and ask what to do

REMEMBER to Talk to Your Kids
They WILL Listen!

Get Out To Vote on Tuesday, November 8 and Bring A Friend!

 

Florida’s General Election is coming up on Tuesday, November 8, and Supervisor of Elections, Lori Edwards, has asked for assistance in sharing important information with our community to help provide a smooth voting experience.

Before you head out to vote, why not check with your friends and neighbors to see if they may need a ride and invite them along as you head to the polling center.

You may follow Polk Elections on social media
Facebook @PolkElections
Twitter @PolkElections1
Instagram polkelections
Website PolkElections.gov

Remember, your vote counts!

2022 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge Race Results Saturday, October 29, 2022

                                                                                                               (photo credits to Lakeland Police Department)

Kudos to the nearly 6,000 participants, sponsors, spectators, vendors, law enforcement, staff, and volunteers who took part in the 2022 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge, presented by InnerAct Alliance, Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, and event partners MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Florida Dairy Farmers, and many other local business sponsors on Saturday morning, October 29 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

Approximately 1,174 Runners in grades K-8 participated in the Kids Fun Run race heats and over 300 adults and their children ran or walked together in the Family Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror. Participants also enjoyed a climbing wall, obstacle course, and other healthy activities, snacks, and giveaways from participating vendors in the Fitness Fun Zone during the event. 

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