Happy New Year's Eve!

 

Happy New Year's Eve! As we usher out 2022 and welcome in 2023 tonight, here's a gentle reminder to be aware of the potential mixed messages to impressionable teens and young children that may result during New Year's Eve revelry. Children tend to see things in black and white, particularly when it comes to justifying personal behaviors. They may think “if adults drink to celebrate, why shouldn’t I?” 

Show by example that there are healthy ways to celebrate and entertain at parties. Let your children help mix-up a delicious alcohol-free fruit punch with sparkling cider or ginger ale and pick out yummy snacks and food. 

YOU are important role models for your children, especially those who are fast becoming teenagers. Be consistent in your attitudes, behaviors and messages about alcohol and teen drinking tonight and into the New Year!

Happy Holidays - Merry Christmas - Happy New Year from InnerAct Alliance!

 

This busy time of year it’s more important than ever to reconnect as a family. Play games or enjoy an outing together. Bake cookies or go for a walk or ride to view the neighborhood light displays. 

When you attend parties, let your kids see you acting responsibly and explain that even if adults drink alcohol, under no circumstances are they allowed to drink. If your child is going to a party, call to make sure that the event will be alcohol and drug free. 

Give your children the gift of time, positive influence, and communication that will be remembered long after the stockings and packages are opened!

Please Consider Supporting InnerAct Alliance This Holiday Season!

The Holidays are a time to reflect on the past year and reunite with family and friends to celebrate. In the true spirit of the season, it is also a great time to support the causes we care about and do our part to help transform our communities to keep our most valuable resource, our children, safe and healthy! 

Safe and healthy communities are an important part of InnerAct Alliance’s mission to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Researchers have observed increases in substance abuse, drug overdoses, and mental health issues in the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in 2020. As a result, our kids may potentially suffer adverse effects for years to come.

To help meet these health challenges, InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, share a common goal to expand prevention initiatives in the Lakeland and Polk County community, which include science-based education classes taught 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.  

You can assist our efforts to educate more students in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, bullying, and violence and provide families with the tools to be successful in life that will lead to a brighter future for this community! 

If a monetary donation is within your means at this time, please consider a tax-deductible Holiday Donation to InnerAct Alliance at https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-fundraiser-1 to help cover the cost of materials to expand prevention programs and services. A written acknowledgement will be sent to all donors upon receipt of a tax-deductible gift to our 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  

“Community engagement and support are vital to continue our agency’s programs to educate children, teens, and families about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with bullying prevention. Any and all donations will be appreciated!” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance. 

Gift Yourself a Holiday Gift of Mindfulness and Self-Care

 

The Holiday Season is a happy time but it also comes with lots of hustle and bustle. It's the perfect time to focus on managing stress with mindfulness and self-care. You cannot share from an empty cup. To be at our best for our children and families in 2023, we have to remember to embrace the things in our own lives that give us peace and hope.

Managing stress can help lower high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels - both precursors to many health problems. One way to manage stress and take care of your physical and mental well-being is through Self-Care - simply do more of the things that you enjoy. Make time to read a book, enjoy a nap, take a relaxing bath, listen to music, or be creative by drawing or painting.

Another great option is Meditation, which can help lower stress levels, connect to oneself, and improve focus. Begin by paying attention to your breath as it goes in and out. Notice how your mind can wander from this task. The practice of returning to the breath builds the muscles of attention and mindfulness. It helps us learn to return to and remain in the present moment, which anchors ourselves to the here and now on purpose.

Mindful.org offers a FREE "How to Meditate" email series for beginners. When you sign up, you will receive an email once a day for 5 days to assist in learning how to make mediation part of your daily life with simple practices that fit into even the busiest of days. To get started on your journey to mindfulness, visit Mindful How to Meditate Email Series

Merry Winter Solstice – December 21, 2022

 

Has anyone wished you a Happy Winter Solstice Day? Today, December 21, 2022, is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight making it the shortest day and longest night of the year! It's also the first day of winter, as the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun resulting in less sunlight.

Here in Florida, it looks like we may experience a bit of winter's chill this weekend. And days will gradually begin to grow longer and the nights shorter as we experience winter. Living in the Sunshine State, we are fortunate to receive more sunshine in the winter and less in the summer than the northern states. Winter Solstice here is only about 3 hours shorter than the longest day.

So, enjoy your Winter Solstice Day with a nice walk during the day and plan a cup of tea or hot cocoa to celebrate our longest night of the year!

6 out of 10 Fentanyl-Laced Fake Prescription Pills Contain Lethal Doses of Fentanyl

 

Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently released a public alert waring about a sharp nationwide increase in the lethality of fentanyl-laced fake prescription drugs. The DEA Lab found that, of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills analyzed in 2022, 6 out of 10 now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl - an increase from the 4 out of 10 fentanyl-laced pills found to have lethal-sized doses in 2021. 

"More than half of the fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills being trafficked in communities across the country now contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. This marks a dramatic increase in the number of pills that can kill," said Administrator Anne Milgram. "Never take a pill that was not prescribed for you. Never take a pill from a friend. Never take a pill bought on social media. Just one pill is dangerous and one pill can kill."

DEA first issued a public safety alert last year on the widespread drug trafficking of fentanyl-laced prescription pills in American communities. These pills, produced by Mexican drug cartels, look identical to real prescription medications including OxyContin, Percocet, and Xanax - and they are often deadly.

In 2021, the DEA seized more than 20.4 million fake prescription pills. Earlier this year, the DEA conducted a nationwide operational surge to target the trafficking of fentanyl-laced prescription pills. In just over 3 months, 10.2 million fake pills were seized across all 50 states.

The powerful synthetic opioid Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18-45. It is highly addictive - 50 times more potent than heroin - 100 times more potent than morphine. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug poisoning in 2021, with 66% of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered to be a potentially deadly dose.

The Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco Cartel in Mexico are responsible for the vast majority of the fentanyl being trafficked in communities across the U.S. In September 2021, DEA launched the One Pill Can Kill enforcement effort and public awareness campaign to combat the fake pill threat and educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl pills disguised and sold as prescription medications. Informative resources are offered by the DEA to help parents and caregivers talk to their kids about the dangers of drug use.      

Visit Get Smart About Drugs

2022 Vaping Stats Suggest Kids Who Vape Are More Likely to Use Marijuana

 

Some young adults are trading Marlboros for JUULs and vape pens. According to 2022 statistics, 1 in 20 Americans vape with about 10 million reporting that they vape regularly. Nearly half of those were under age 35, with most frequent users in the 18-24 age category. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration further reported in 2019 that over 5 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This trend continues to rise as 1-in-9 high school students reported vaping in the past month, per the CDC in 2021.

Dangers of Vaping. A 2022 study in the journal JAMA Network Open reports that youth who use e-cigarettes are over 3x more likely to use marijuana than those who do not. Youth often believe that vaping is a less harmful way to consume marijuana; however the ingredients in many marijuana vapes have been linked to serious illness or death. According to the CDC, “The teen brain is actively developing until the mid-20s so marijuana use during this period of growth may adversely affect brain development.” Nicotine use among adolescents is linked to brain defects that can affect memory and learning plus it can cause permanent lung damage and lead to addiction.

Signs To Watch For. Parents may have difficulties spotting signs that their child is vaping marijuana because there is not a distinctive odor. Signs to look for include: bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, changes in mood or behavior, changes in friends, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. If you suspect your teen may be using substances, the best approach is open communication and education. Talk to your kids, reasonably and often, to share facts about the adverse health effects these substances may have on their still developing brains and lungs.

Not Everyone Smokes, Drinks, or Vapes. Remind your teens that they don’t have to resort to peer pressure because they think everyone is drinking, smoking, or vaping. Reality is that most Polk teens choose to be healthy. Among Polk County’s 6-12 grade students: 88% do not use Alcohol; 98% do not use Tobacco, 88% do not use Marijuana, 90% do not Vape, and 99% do not abuse Prescription Drugs. Now, those are the statistics that we like to see!

25 Creative Family Night Ideas

Statistics show that parents and children who participate in activities together benefit in a variety of ways - building stronger relationships and fostering more effective communication. 

Check out these 25 Creative Family Night Ideas from Messenger Kids featuring online and offline options to connect with your kids over Holiday Break.

The Gift of Time is always the perfect gift!

UthMpact Leadership Class XII On The Move!

 

UthMpact Leadership Class XII enjoyed exploring aspects of the Health & Wellness sector of our community during their October leadership outing. First on the busy agenda was a stop at Bartow Regional Medical Center which has served the Polk County community for the past 95 years.

While there, the students toured the facility, made IV bags for patients, then gowned up for a visit to the OR. Hospital personnel took time to speak with students about current health care issues and services provided at Bartow Regional which include an emergency department, intensive care unit, outpatient services, plus other medical offices that house physicians and clinics. Next, the Leadership teens visited Kelly Recreation for hands-on fun playing pickleball and learning popular line dances. A visit to VISTE (Volunteer in Service to the Elderly) rounded out the day for UthMpact leaders to learn how health and wellness is important to senior clients. The creative teens lent their talents to decorate festive Thanksgiving bags.

During UthMpact Business Leadership Day in early December, the teens headed to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union where they learned about careers in the banking and finance fields and received tips about how to budget, apply for a mortgage, and other valuable information for their future. The day's travels took students to KidPACK to help preapre some of the 11,000 meals the organization will distribute to homeless students and families in Polk County during the upcoming Winter Break.

  

Next on the agenda was a visit to Catapult Lakeland to explore ways this organization supports Lakeland's entrepreneurs and startup companies by offering resources, programs, and space to help them succeed. The group topped off an informative Leadership Day at the RP Funding Center where they were treated to an interesting tour of the facility and the Lakeland Magic's team headquarters. 

Looking forward to more exciting adventures for UthMpact in 2023!

Know the Facts - The UthMpact Facts

 

The UthMpact Teen Coalition is sharing "UthMpact Facts" with its social norms marketing campaign aimed at helping to correct false perceptions and celebrate the positives among today's youth culture. 

This powerful peer to peer approach is based on statistics published in the Annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), which reports the reality that most youth in Polk County are NOT using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Often teens believe that all their peers drink, smoke, or vape. If the perception is that drinking and using drugs is what makes you popular, the rate of substance abuse among youth increases.

UthMpact Facts help to close the gap between perception and reality by sharing proven facts that show MOST POLK TEENS ARE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES by NOT drinking, smoking, vaping, or using substances. This knowledge based in fact can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel more confident in making informed personal decisions after knowing and considering the facts.

Good news is that the social norms approach is proven to work - there has been an average 30% shift in changed perceptions!

New funding will allow UthMpact to share UthMpact Facts to more students in area middle and high schools in 2023...with plans to branch out to elementary schools and higher education!

Area Fifth-Graders Celebrated Positive Choices at InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies

 

InnerAct Alliance teamed up with the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League, to add a fun sports element and celebrate healthy choices at the 2022 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies held this month. This marked the agency’s first in-person Rally events held since COVID-19. Prevention Rallies help to reinforce critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school.

Winners of the Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rally for The Facts Contest were recognized during the Rally events on December 7 and December 15 for their creative poster, poetry, and essay entries illustrating the fact that the majority of Polk teens choose not to use drugs or alcohol. Community leaders and law enforcement encouraged students to find effective ways to deal with pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use. Students received Magic memorabilia.

The December 7 Rally was held at the Advent Health Fieldhouse for 600 students from East Polk schools. Attendees were welcomed by Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler and Polk Sheriff’s Office Major Vance Monroe, Jr., along with Lakeland Magic General Manager Kevin Tiller, coaches and players. Magic mascot Swish entertained students prior to watching the team practice.

Rally Fun continued on December 15 for fifth-graders in the Lakeland area. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz and Police Chief Sam Taylor, Jr. encouraged students to make healthy life choices and avoid risky behaviors. Students cheered for the Magic as they defeated the Birmingham Squadron by a score of 101-95 at the RP Funding Center. 

East Polk/Winter Haven  Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster                                                                                                                  
1^st Place - Liam F., Cypress Junction Montessori 

2^nd Place - Breezy M., Lena Vista                                   
3^rd Place – Sophia G., John Snively                                                  

Poetry

1^st Place – Rocco Z., Cypress Junction Montessori
2^nd Place – Morgann W., Lena Vista
3^rd Place – Isa P., Pinewood

Essay                                                                                                                    
1^st Place - Jeinni P., Cypress Junction Montessori               
2^nd Place - Mya B., Lena Vista     
3^rd Place – Brynlee B., Pinewood

School with Most Contest Participants - Cypress Junction Montessori

Lakeland Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster

1^st Place - Isabel P., Spessard E. Holland 
2^nd Place - Karlie J., Sleepy Hill                                    
3^rd Place - Bella K., Highlands Grove                        

Poetry

1^st Place – Braleigh P., Sleepy Hill
2^nd Place – Tjrenique R., Valleyview
3^rd Place – Eden V., Cleveland Court

Essay                                                                    

1^st Place - Sydney A., Valleyview
2^nd Place - Alysen H., McKeel Central
3^rd Place - Aiden M., Sleepy Hill

School with the Most Contest Participants – McKeel Central

Florida Law Enforcement Highlights Risks of Exposure to Fentanyl

 

The Tavares Police Department is highlighting the dangers of Fentanyl, the deadly opioid that is nearly 50 times more potent than heroin, after one of their officers suffered an accidental overdose. Officer Courtney Bannick found herself experiencing life-threatening effects after she was exposed to Fentanyl during a traffic stop in which drugs and drug paraphernalia were found. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday, December 13.

Within minutes of discovering the substances in the vehicle, the officer began to choke and drift in and out of consciousness as the drug overtook her and her body began to shut down. First responders administered three doses of the overdose drug, Narcan, to help revive her. Fortunately, Officer Bannick is expected to make a full recovery.

We wish Officer Bannick well and are grateful that she is willing to share her experience to warn the public about just how dangerous Fentanyl can be – even in small doses and when exposed for a few short moments. 

The 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Has Begun

 

For many people, the holidays are the highlight of the year. But for some, this time of year is a major source of stress and anxiety that can greatly impact mental health. Getting in the holiday spirit can be difficult - whether it is from a change in routine, gift giving, family gatherings, or grief after losing a loved one.

It is important to take care of yourself and your mental health this December. Practice basic routines when possible and think about slowing down when doing things you normally find yourself rushing through. 

If the holidays are hard this season, give yourself the gift of some extra space and time to relax by using some of the helpful suggestions shared in this graphic by @PositivelyPresent to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas and into the New Year.

Happy December - Tips for December Self-Care!

Happy December from InnerAct Alliance! The holiday season is known as "the most wonderful time of the year" but with a busy to do list of shopping, decking the halls, hosting parties, and attending family gatherings, it can also be the most stressful time of year. That's why it's super important to continue healthy habits.

We want to help you feel your best this holiday season, so we are going to continue sharing self-care tips over the coming weeks like this cute seasonal reminder from @PositivelyPresent to help you achieve the most comfort and joy and connect with what is most important to you about the holidays!

 

Area Fifth-Graders to Participate in InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies on Dec 7 and Dec 15, 2022

InnerAct Alliance is excited to partner with the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League, to present the 2022 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies in an entirely new format. Area fifth-grade students have been invited to celebrate positive life choices and experience the fun of Lakeland Magic Basketball as they take to the court as part of the rally events on Wednesday, December 7th in the East Polk/Winter Haven area and on Thursday, December 15th in Lakeland.

Prevention Rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school. Facts show that the majority of young people choose not to use drugs or alcohol. Over the past few weeks, students have been challenged to participate in the Fifth Grade Rally for The Facts Contest to create original posters, poems, and essays that illustrate the benefits of making healthy choices. Contest winners will be recognized during the Rally and community leaders and law enforcement members will be on hand to encourage the students to find effective ways to deal with everyday pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance 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. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, youth leadership opportunities, teen-driven social marketing, and awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others with an important substance abuse prevention message. 

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rallies, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.