Thanks to our 2023 Red Ribbon Sponsorship Partners!

 

Thank You to our

2023 Red Ribbon Run

Sponsors and Partnership Team!

Treat Yourself this Halloween

 

Happy Halloween!

No tricks this year, instead treat yourself with kindness by making time for self-care. You can't be there for your family and friends if you aren't taking the best care of yourself. 

FREE Online Registration Ends Tonight – See You Tomorrow at the Red Ribbon Run

 

Just 1 more day ‘til the…

RED RIBBON RUN

Saturday Morning, October 28

FREE Online registration ends

Friday night 10/27/23

at InnerActAlliance.org

Registration on Saturday morning is $5


at the Lake Mirror Auditorium starting at 7AM

Visit

https://www.inneractalliance.org

Run The World at the 

2023 Red Ribbon Run!

Dispose of Expired/Unwanted Medications Safely at National Drug Take-Back This Weekend!

 

It's cold and flu season, a time of year you may find yourself stocking up on medicine just in case. That's how home medicine cabinets can get cluttered with outdated medications. Since 2010, over one million Americans have died from drug overdoses and many begin with medication that comes from medicine cabinets in their own home or the homes of friends and family members they may visit.

This weekend, the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Drug Take-Back campaign encourages citizens to look through the cabinets in their home to take inventory of drugs no longer needed, and more importantly, to safely dispose of them. This helps keep expired, unused, or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter drugs from being misused or abused. 

Our community's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day takes place this Saturday, October 28 from 10am to 2pm at police department locations throughout Polk County. Please clean out your medicine cabinet and help do your part to avoid drug abuse and addiction!

Red Ribbon Run This Saturday, October 28 - Register Today InnerActAlliance.org

 

Visit www.inneractalliance.org

Click on the Red Ribbon Tab at the top

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Happy Red Ribbon Week – October 23 to October 31

 

The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985 when a drug enforcement agent named Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was tortured and killed in Mexico. In honor of his memory and ongoing battle against illegal drugs, Kiki’s friends and family began to wear red satin ribbons. Parents began to form coalitions embracing his belief that one person can make a difference. Today, the Red Ribbon serves to encourage communities to educate youth and participate in substance abuse prevention activities.

For the past 35+ years, InnerAct Alliance has been proud to present one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the Sunshine State to promote prevention of substance abuse and bullying, while encouraging children, teens, and families to make healthy lifestyle choices.

REGISTER TODAY to RUN THE WORLD at InnerAct Alliance’s 2023 Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, this Saturday morning, October 28, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland! Students in Grades K-8 may register FREE for the Kids Fun Run prior to 10/28 or pay $5 on the day of the race. Adults may run with their children in the Family Fun Run for a $5 fee. More fun activities will be available on Saturday in the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area featuring healthy snacks, games, giveaways, and entertainment celebrating different cultures and talents from around the globe!

Register on the event website www.inneractalliance.org – we look forward to seeing you on Saturday morning at Lake Mirror!

Run The World Next Weekend at the Ribbon Run Saturday, October 28th

 

Only a week left to register to RUN THE WORLD at our community's Annual Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and our title sponsor Publix Super Markets, to celebrate health and fitness on Saturday morning, October 28 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. 

Students in grades K-8 may register for FREE at InnerActAlliance.org for the Kids Fun Run featuring timed grade heats, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, before 10/28 (day of race $5 registration). Trophies are awarded for first, second, and third place in each grade level and gender. Adults may run/walk with their children in the untimed Family Fun Run for a $5 fee. 

Participants may visit the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area throughout the event to enjoy fun activities, healthy snacks, giveaways, and entertainment celebrating unique cultures and talents from around the globe.   

Race Day check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 7:00 a.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium before the Family Fun Run kicks off at 8:30 a.m., followed by the grade heats at 8:45 a.m. (times are approximate).

Visit www.inneractalliance.org
 click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance
Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Our Community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 28

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unneeded and expired medications in a safe manner. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. Studies show that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. 

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 (pending confirmation) 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 W, Davenport, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, 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
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL 

Unwanted medication may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites at the Police Department locations, funded by Givewell Community Foundation, 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); or Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Liquids or syringes are not accepted in permanent drop boxes.

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 28,078 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.

Wear Orange Today to Support Unity Day – Wednesday, October 18

 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

WEAR & SHARE ORANGE

to show unity for kindness, acceptance,and inclusion
and to send a visible message
that no child should ever experience bullying.

Every day, thousands of young people experience bullying from their peers at school, after school in their neighborhoods, and even when they are at home through social media and texts. There are many ways to support bullying prevention as an individual or with friends, family, your school, or in your community.

For more information,

visit www.pacer.org/bullying

Reminder to Parents - Check Medicine Cabinet Often to Prevent Abuse

 

Clean out your medicine cabinet and shelves often to prevent abuse!

Our community's Fall National Drug Take Back event is
coming up on Saturday, October 28 for citizens to drop off 

expired and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications in a safe manner!

FDA Plans to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars

 

There’s a new plan by the FDA to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The agency is now seeking approval from the White House on this move, but it is unclear when that will happen. Scientists say that menthol makes smoking more addictive and appealing to young people.

The FDA has been discussing the banning of menthol and flavored cigars for years because the issue is an important one to the agency. In April, it announced plans to move ahead with proposed product standard restrictions because such a move had “the potential to significantly reduce disease and death” and reduce “youth experimentation and addiction” as well as increase the number of smokers who quit.

Experts predict that the tobacco industry will fight the plan in court if it gets final approval. 

Week 4 Red Ribbon Challenge – Invest in Yourself & In Your Future!

 

Come join us for our 4th and final week of the Red Ribbon Challenge which offers fun activities for kids to complete with their friends and family to celebrate healthy life choices! 

Week 4 
October 15-21
Invest in Yourself & Your Future

Taking time to learn about ourselves as well as other people, places, and cultures is a valuable way to expand our horizons as well as our knowledge! Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4’s sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union encourages everyone to take time to learn about yourself, your family, as well as other people, places, and cultures – it’s a valuable way to expand our horizons as well as our knowledge! 

Some fun activities families can do together to investigate family roots include looking through old photo albums or watching family videos. Plan a special visit with grandparents and extended family members to learn about where your ancestors came from and ask them to share interesting family stories. Maybe even find out where your pet came from!

Learning where we come from can help us plan where we may want to explore too! Go to the library or research on the computer to learn about your family's country of origin. Enjoy a family craft day to make a piggy bank out of a recycled milk or juice carton or box to save your money in. Create a travel poster with pictures of a place you'd like to visit someday as inspiration.

Come Join Us to RUN THE WORLD at the Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, on Saturday, October 28 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland! Kids register free before 10/27/23 or pay $5 on the day of the race. Adults can run with their kids in the Family Fun Run for a $5 fee. After your run heat, come visit the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area to enjoy healthy snacks and activities and celebrate different cultures from around the world!

 Visit www.inneractalliance.org
 click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Post Your Red Ribbon
Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance
Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Substance Abuse Trend Alert – New Synthetic Cathinone in the U.S. and Florida

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) have issued a substance use trend alert regarding a new synthetic cathinone emerging in the U.S. drug market.

N, N-dimethylpentylone is a psychoactive substance now being substituted for stimulant drugs such as Ecstasy, Molly, and MDMA. The National Drug Early Warning System reports increased findings of this drug in Florida.

Synthetic stimulants, often referred to as "Bath Salts", are part of the synthetic cathinone class of drugs that are central nervous system stimulants designed to mimic effects similar to those produced by cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy).

What do synthetic cathinones look like? - websites list products containing synthetic stimulants as "plant food" or "bath salts", however the powdered form is also available in gelatin capsules. They are sold at smoke shops, head shops, convenience stores, adult bookstores, gas stations, and online often labeled "not for human consumption."

How are synthetic cathinones abused? - sniffing/snorting, taken orally, smoked, or put in solution and injected in veins.

What are their effects on the mind & body? - synthetic substances are abused for desired effects such as euphoria and alertness. Psychological effects include confusion, agitation, aggression, violent behavior, hallucinations, delusions. Toxic body effects include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, breakdown of muscle, seizures, even death.

It is important that we continue to raise awareness about the risks and dangers associated with synthetic stimulant use, inform about potential harms, conduct further toxicology testing, and offer education about the limited quality control of these drugs. 

UthMpact’s New Initiative Encourages Positive Mental Health for Youth

 

The UthMpact teen coalition is proud of a new initiative offering an opportunity for schools to create a unique Mental Health Mural to help destigmatize mental health and promote self-care for youth. The mural is displayed on a portable canvas to allow it to easily be moved around campus.

An unveiling of the first mental health mural took place at Denison Middle School in Winter Haven, FL in honor of World Mental Health Day this past Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Principal Terry Christian and Lisa Cheatom of Denison Middle School and members of the InnerAct Alliance Board of Directors, Ryan Rogers and Ginny Wolfe, were on hand for the unveiling and to congratulate students for spreading the message that "Positive Mental Health Gives You Wings!"

Denison Middle School also helped kick off UthMpact's first social norming event of the 2023-2024 school year last week. IAA's social norms coordinator, Gavin White, visited with students to provide an informative presentation to share helpful ways to focus on self-care and practice good mental health. Students enjoyed participating to win prizes and learn social norms statistics that show most teens choose to make healthy choices and choose NOT to drink or use harmful substances. Additional social norms presentations will take place throughout the school year.

Special thanks to the administration, faculty, and students at Denison Middle School for their creativity and commitment to positive mental health and wellbeing. For more information on the UthMpact Mural Project, please contact IAA executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. Visit the UthMpact website www.uthmpact.org or follow on www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk. 

Practice Mental Health Magic on World Mental Health Day October 10th

 

World Mental Health Day is celebrated today to bring to light the depths of the current worldwide mental health crisis and provide ways to help those who may be struggling. It can be as simple as reaching out to a friend or loved one to remind them that they are important. Let them know that you are there for them - or if you are struggling, be sure to reach out to someone you trust to talk and ask for help.   

The fall-themed graphic from our friends @Positively Present reminds us of the importance of maintaining good mental health with Mental Health Magic steps we can take each day to take care of ourselves. Some may be easier said than done, but YOU and your mental health are worth the effort!

Progress continues towards ending the stigma of mental illness and building strong support systems. Learn about the resources available for those who struggle with mental health challenges. 

Helpful information is just a click away

National Institute of Mental Health
 https://www.nimh.nih.gov

National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/

Week 3 Red Ribbon Challenge Celebrates Healthy Mind/Body!

 

Come join us for Week 3 of the Red Ribbon Challenge offering fun activities for kids to complete with their friends and family to celebrate fitness and healthy life choices! A different challenge is featured each week during October.

 Week 3 
October 8-14

Healthy Mind/Healthy Body

Making time for families to eat and keep fit together has so many benefits – it connects parents & children, promotes bonding between siblings, and creates lasting memories. To live our best lives, we must eat smart, stay active, reach out to others, and practice positive self-care to relieve stress! 

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 3’s sponsor Florida Dairy Farmers encourages everyone to plan nutrient-rich snacks, go for a quick walk or run daily, and refresh with a cold glass of milk for a boost of vitamins, minerals, protein, healthy fat, and antioxidants for strong bones. 

Come Join Us for all of the RED RIBBON FUN still to come in October - sign up to participate in the remaining weeks of Red Ribbon Challenge activities AND Students in grades K-8 may register FREE before 10/27/23 for the Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, on Saturday, October 28 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

After your run heat, come visit the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area to enjoy healthy snacks and activities and celebrate different cultures from around the world!

 Visit www.inneractalliance.org

 click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Post Your Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance
Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Register Today to Run the World in the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 28

 

Registration is underway to Run The World in InnerAct Alliance’s 2023 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge, presented by InnerAct Alliance and event title sponsor Publix Super Markets, on Saturday morning, October 28 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

Students in grades K-8 may register FREE to participate in the Kids Fun Run, with timed grade level heats and trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade level, on the Red Ribbon Run tab at https://www.inneractalliance.org prior to 10/28/23. 

Registration on the day of the event will be $5.00. Students who are pre-registered before 10/14/23 and complete the Kids Fun Run on race day will receive a free Red Ribbon Run t-shirt. 

Parents/adults may pay a $5.00 fee to run/walk with their families in untimed heats in the Family Fun Run for a $5.00 fee. After the races, visit the new World Tour vendor area to enjoy healthy snacks and fun activities from around the world!

Weekly Red Ribbon Challenges with themes of nutrition, fitness, and anti-bullying are offered during the month of October. A different challenge activity will be featured each week in a virtual format with themes of Nutrition, Kindness & Tolerance, Healthy Mind/Healthy Body, and Invest in Yourself & Your Future on the agency’s website. Student participants may post completed challenge activities with the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges on the InnerAct Alliance Facebook page for special recognition.

For more information, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 and visit www.inneractalliance.org and the InnerAct Alliance Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

October Self-Care Suggestions

 

Nothing brightens the first week of each month better than the impactful and adorable October Self-Care Suggestions from our friends at @Positively Present - we hope that you enjoy them as much as we do! 👻

So, this month choose to look up at the moon🌛and enjoy its bright light in the dark night or make a point to harvest new ideas 🍂 

Anything you can do for yourself that helps you remain healthy in mind, body, and spirit is beneficial!

Official Red Ribbon Month Proclamations

 

Special Thanks to the

City of Lakeland and Polk County Commission

for honoring InnerAct Alliance with official

Red Ribbon Month
Proclamations

City of Lakeland Commission
October 2, 2023

Polk County Commission
October 3, 2023

InnerAct Alliance is Looking for Prevention Volunteers & Talented Performers

 

InnerAct Alliance organizes one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state of Florida highlighted by the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular family participation event presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, to support prevention of substance abuse and inspire individuals and families to achieve healthy drug-free lifestyle goals. The Red Ribbon Run brings together 10,000 run participants, volunteers, local business partners, and spectators every October.

 

Volunteer link

  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0545A4AB2FA2FD0-redribbon2

Share your talents!

Local community individuals and groups are invited to showcase their unique talents in music, dance, and performance as part of the World Tour celebration of cultural traditions during the 2023 Red Ribbon Run festivities on Saturday, October 28th. Please contact Angie Ellison, IAA executive director, at (863) 802-0777 for more details! 

Volunteer Opportunities Available Year-Round!

InnerAct Alliance welcomes volunteers of all ages! In addition to assisting at the Red Ribbon Run, helping hands are also needed throughout the year to prepare for other programs that impact the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, and those in need with substance abuse prevention and anti-bullying messages. Let us know if you're interested!

Week 2 of InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Challenge is Underway!

 

Time flies when you're having fun and here we are in Week 2 of InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Challenge offering fun activities for kids to complete with their friends and family to celebrate fitness and healthy life choices! A different challenge is featured each week during October.

Week 2 
October 1-7
Kindness & Tolerance

Bullying is a form of physical or verbal aggression in which someone intentionally mistreats another person and continues to do it. We encourage everyone to look beyond our differences to appreciate the PERSON. Everyone has talents and gifts to share.

RR Challenge Week 2’s sponsor Regal Lakeland reminds us that kindness and tolerance can go a long way to help us through life’s good days as well as the challenging days when things may not always go our way. It’s nice to feel special when someone tells you something they like about you or does something special to make you smile. You can do the same for others - it also makes you feel good when you do something that makes others happy. Let’s work tougher to respect everyone and look beyond the differences in others so we can create an environment that encourages acceptance and prevents bullying.

Come Join Us for all of the RED RIBBON FUN still to come in October - sign up to participate in the remaining weeks of Red Ribbon Challenge activities AND Students in grades K-8 may register FREE before 10/27/23 for the Red Ribbon Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, on Saturday, October 28 at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

 Visit www.inneractalliance.org

 click on the Red Ribbon tab at the top

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance
Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges