A Great Day in Support of Substance Abuse Prevention

 

It was a great day and night at Il Forno Italian Restaurant (northside and southside) where owner Mick donated 10% of the day's receipts in support InnerAct Alliance's Ruby Anniversary and 40 years of educating and promoting substance abuse prevention in our community!

Red Ribbon Run Memories 🎀- during the course of a great event, we learned that 2 of the Il Forno servers participated in the Red Ribbon Run as they were growing up...and one of them even had our prevention instructor as a teacher of their fifth grade Prevention class in school - so cool! 🏅

Special Thanks to all of the InnerAct Alliance board members, friends, youth leaders and their families, staff, and many new friends who participated in the October 2nd special event to support prevention education and healthy choices! 💪

Last Project HOCO Shopping Days: Saturday Oct 4 & 11

 

Just a reminder that our final two Project HOCO Students Shopping Days are coming up this Saturday, October 4 and next Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes).

During the first two September Shopping dates, UthMpact teen volunteers provided over 200 homecoming ensembles at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. Students with a Polk County school ID can sign a pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices and receive their dresses or suits for free!

Community members can 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 or at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Ave., in Lakeland (8:30am-4:30pm weekdays).

For more info, call (863) 802-0777

Visit us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

Pizza! Pasta! Prevention! – Eat at Il Forno’s Today & Tonight

 

Pizza! 🍕 Pasta! 🍝 Prevention! 💪

TODAY's the day to InnerAct with Friends &
Eat Dinner as a Family to celebrate
InnerAct Alliance's 40th Ruby Anniversary
at Il Forno's Italian Restaurant - Northside & Southside

10% of lunch & dinner purchases
will be donated to InnerAct Alliance 
to support substance abuse prevention!

Eat Well & Support Prevention & Healthy Choices!

Nitrous Oxide Use Gaining Popularity Among Teens Again

 

Florida is cracking down on a dangerous trend that is gaining popularity again among teens - that is use of Nitrous Oxide also known as Laughing Gas or Whippets. People are now selling it for recreational use and that is illegal here in Florida. Teen use of nitrous oxide is being fueling by social media trends and easy access to products intended for culinary use.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas, often called laughing gas, that is used as a medical anesthetic and as a propellant in whipped cream chargers. Teens inhale the gas from pressurized containers, called whippets, or from balloons filled from large canisters. 

Some products like "Galaxy Gas" come in flavored packaging to appeal to young users. The gas produces a short, euphoric high, along with feelings of giddiness, laughter, and detachment. Because the effect is brief, users often inhale repeatedly to prolong the feeling.

Florida's Lt. Governor, Jay Collins, recently visited Orlando to announce an undercover operation that has resulted in 70 arrests. "People telling them how to abuse this, how to use this. We know what right looks like. We have to educate people and hold people accountable to stand and do the right thing, even when it's hard."

Public health officials and doctors have issued warnings about the significant long-term and short-term health risks, including severe neurological damage and even death, especially among young people.

Read more of the report on Fox 35 News in Orlando: 
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-cracks-down-nitrous-oxide-sales-amid-lawsuit-health-concerns

Family, Friends, Food & Fun This Thursday Oct 2 at Il Forno!

 

Join us this Thursday, October 2 for family, friends, food, and fun celebrating InnerAct Alliance's 40th Ruby Anniversary of serving the Lakeland and Polk County community. Plan to eat lunch with friends or dinner with your family at either of Il Forno Italian Restaurant's two locations in Lakeland - Northside or Southside. In addition to enjoying authentic, delicious Italian cuisine at a great price, guests will help support substance abuse programs in our community and celebrate healthy choices!

Week 1 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges Begins Today!

 

October is Red Ribbon Month! Families can support prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events presented by InnerAct Alliance and our Red Ribbon title sponsor Publix Super Markets during October. The Red Ribbon Challenges begin online TODAY and continue through October 26 with a different health-oriented challenge featured each week for children to complete the fun activities with family and friends.

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 1 is presented by our event's title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, to encourage Family Dinner & Activities. Studies show that families who eat meals together build stronger relationships and foster better communication to help kids make more informed decisions. Fun activities this week include a jumping jack challenge, exercises to stay fit, and ways to shop/cook together as a family!

Kids register FREE to participate in Weekly Challenges
https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Post completed challenges on the IAA Facebook page with hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

Register to run in the Red Ribbon Run 
Saturday morning, October 26 at Lake Mirror  

https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run.html

https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

Shout Out to Talk Like a Pirate Day

 

Arrr Mateys, not sure how we missed it but last Friday was the official celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day, created by two friends in 1995 as a day allowing everyone to channel their inner Jack Sparrow. Turns out we can learn healthy messages from pirate lore after all. ⚓

A teacher-friend asked his middle school students to come up with a pirate-themed short poem that contains a pearl of advice from our buccaneer friends. One student came up with this one...

Ahoy! Jewels, gold, and silver

bring not the real pleasure; 

Making healthy life choices

'tis life's best treasure!

Are You Watching the Tropics?

 

We've been very fortunate so far, but forecasters remind us that we are still in peak Hurricane Season...and there are two tropical waves on the map that bear watching.

If you have not already done so, this is the perfect time to check your family's Basic Emergency Supply Kit  to include bottled water, non-perishable food, prescription medication, a battery-operated radio to receive weather and emergency alerts, flashlights with extra batteries, pen and paper.

A basic First-Aid Kit is also a good idea stocked with band-aids, first aid cream, aspirin, etc. Other helpful items to have on hand are soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, garbage bags, a hand-operated can opener, eating utensils, and basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer, wrench, and pliers. Families with babies should stock up on extra formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes. For pets, be sure to keep a supply of food, snacks, and extra water to drink.

Stay safe neighbors🌀🌀 Stay tuned to weather and news reports on local channels, PGTV (Polk-County.TV), online PolkCounty.net, or on radio stations WPCV 97.5 FM and WONN 1230 AM.

Helpful Storm Prep Tips

https://www.ready.gov/kit

Lakeland Electric Hurricane Guide

https://lakelandgov.net/Hurricane

Cannabis Use Rises Among Pregnant Women

 

Findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is published annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, show that cannabis use is rising among pregnant women, especially during the first trimester - the most critical period of fetal development. Studies report that some women are turning to marijuana during pregnancy to combat issues of stress, anxiety, nausea, lack of sleep, vomiting, and pain.

Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, contains two primary compounds - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CDB). According to medical professionals, these compounds can be described as "siblings" - CDB does not affect the brain or spinal cord, while THC brings on more of a euphoric "high."

According to a recent University of Florida study, approximately 1-in-6 women admitted to using marijuana or a cannabidiol product while pregnant. Half of the users were not aware of the risks. Some may incorrectly assume that marijuana is safe for pregnant women because it's legal in many states and because it's a natural plant-based product, but not all natural products are safe during pregnancy. And the reality is that there are no known safe amounts of cannabit to use in pregnancy.

Health experts warn that today's marijuana contains much higher concentrations of THC and is more more potent than it was in the 1970s. A recent review published this May, which analyzed 51 studies, showed that use of marijuana during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery and a 75% higher risk of low birth weight.

To learn more about this study and the risks and possible adverse side effects of marijuana use during pregnancy, click:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/cannabis-use-rises-among-pregnant-women-despite-serious-fetal-risks

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/19/health/pregnancy-cannabis-marijuana-guidelines.html 

https://news.ohsu.edu/2025/05/05/evidence-review-raises-concern-about-cannabis-use-in-pregnancy

Smart Investment in a Drug-Free Future

We've asked this before but it bears repeating! Did you know that for every $1 invested in prevention that $7-$30 is saved in treatment costs? That's not just smart economics, it is also smart compassion.

Your donation to support InnerAct Alliance's 40th Anniversary increases positive impact across Central Florida and support InnerAct Alliance's education, training, and support programs for parents, children, families, and schools right here in our community to help raise safe, healthy, and substance-free children.

Over four decades, we have chosen prevention over intervention, positive facts over scare tactics and community investment over crisis management. As a result, thousands of students in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties have grown up making healthy choices because someone believed prevention can work.

Join us in powering positive change for the next 40 years. Every gift received, no matter the size, demonstrates that our community values prevention, support youth leaders, and believes in the power of positive peer pressure.

Please donate to InnerAct Alliance at:
https://www.inneractalliance.org/#donate

Register today to take part in the 2025 Red Ribbon Run on October 25:
https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

Visit the InnerAct Alliance website to access helpful tips, tools, and inspiration to keep your family safe, healthy, and connected at:
https://www.inneractalliance.org/

And to keep up with the latest in prevention news, please visit the InnerAct Alliance Blog at:
https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/

Take Action to Prevent Suicide

 

We all have a role to play in suicide prevention - part of that is to learn and share the warning signs of youth suicide, especially during Suicide Prevention Month in September.

If someone is showing any of the warning signs, encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult, school counselor, mental health professional, or contact the Suicide Prevention #988 Lifeline. Simply listening and providing support can make a significant difference in the life of a child, adolescent, or adult.

Take Action if you notice any of the following signs in family or friends:

*talking about or making plans for suicide

*expressing hopelessness about the future
*displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
*showing worrisome changes in behavior
*withdrawal from or changing social connections
*changes in sleep
*anger or hostility that seems out of character
*recent increased agitation or irritability

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Reach out to call or text 988 or chat online. Learn more at https://988lifeline.org

Take Part in 2025 Red Ribbon Challenges that Begin Next Monday, Sept 29

 

Red Ribbon activities began with DEA Agent Kiki Camarena's ultimate sacrifice in 1985, the same year InnerAct Alliance began serving the Central Florida area. For 40 years, we've honored his legacy by proving that prevention works through positive action.

This October, over 1,000 students will participate in the 2025 Red Ribbon Challenge, completing 15+ themed activities. Weekly Red Ribbon Challenges begin on Monday, September 29 and continue through Sunday, October 26. A different health-related challenge will be featured each week for 4 weeks on IAA's website: https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Week 1: Sept. 29-Oct. 5: Family Dinner & Activities

Week 2: Oct. 6-12: Kindness & Tolerance

Week 3: Oct. 13-19: Healthy Mind/Healthy Body

Week 4: Oct. 20-26: Invest in Yourself & Your Future

Instead of focusing on what teens shouldn't do, we believe in celebrating everything they CAN do. Our Fifth Grade Red Ribbon Rallies don't scare students, they inspire them with real stories from our UthMpact teen leaders who have chosen positive paths. The result - Generations of Central Florida students who see drug-free living as empowering, not limiting! 💪

Accepting Donations of Prom & Homecoming Formal Wear

 

Change of seasons is a great time to clean out your closets! UthMpact's Project Prom/Project Homecoming efforts would appreciate donations of gently-used dresses, men's suits, or accessories to help us make someone's special night unforgettable. 

Project Prom events in the spring and Project Homecoming in the fall provide free formal wear to high school students in need. Students with a Polk County school ID can sign a pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices and receive their dresses or suits for FREE to wear for these milestone events. 

During the first 2 Project HOCO Shopping Days held in September, UthMpact teen volunteers have served over 200 families with a record number of "sales." Since the effort began in 2013, nearly 6,000 formal wear ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County.

IAA's executive director, Angie Ellison, invites the community to contribute to the success of Project Prom & Project Homecoming, "We are proud of our UthMpact teen volunteers and our community's amazing giving hearts. We would welcome any community groups who may be able to organize a special drive to collect dresses, suits, jewelry, shoes (mens & womens), purses, wraps, ties, and other accessories to contact us and help contribute to the continued success of these worthwhile programs." 

Especially needed are ladies plus-size dresses (size 18+) and smaller size dresses (size 0-4), along with men’s wear in smaller sizes. 

Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on remaining Student Shopping Days on Saturdays October 4 & 11 (from 11am-4pm) at the Lakeland Square Mall (across from Rack Room Shoes) – OR – at the IAA office at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekdays). A receipt will be provided for tax purposes. 

Call InnerAct Alliance at 802-0777 for more information.

Family Day is Coming Up This Monday September 22

 

InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, encourage your family to participate in Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 22. Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. 

Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they may be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances.

The most effective ways to strengthen families are not complicated. They are simple, intentional acts we can all put into practice. So, this Family Day on Monday, September 22, spend time with your own family - the original and most important social network - connecting at the dinner table. Agree to put devices aside, share a meal, and take time to talk about your day. Small acts of bonding and connection help families grow stronger and children thrive.

Learn more about this initiative, sign the Family Day pledge, 

and receive tips to talk with your children

www.informedfamilies.org

Having Dinner with Your Family is a Healthy Choice!

 

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 2 and join InnerAct Alliance as we celebrate our agency's 40th Ruby Anniversary of serving the Lakeland and Polk County community. Plan to eat lunch with friends or dinner with your family at either of Il Forno Italian Restaurant's two locations in Lakeland - Northside or Southside.👪In addition to enjoying authentic and delicious Italian cuisine 🍝at a great price, guests will have an opportunity to win fun raffle prizes.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will support InnerAct Alliance and its substance abuse prevention programs and family-friendly activities in our community such as the Annual Red Ribbon Run (on Saturday, October 25 at Lake Mirror), UthMpact Youth Leadership program, Project Prom & Project Homecoming, Annual Prevention Summit, as well as science-based prevention education programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for nearly 15,000 students plus outreach to over 100,000 citizens in our community each year.

Come on down for lunch or dinner with your family at Il Forno on October 2 to celebrate healthy choices!💪

Registration Is Open for This Year’s Red Ribbon Run!

 

Ready to get your run on in support of a drug-free community? 🏃‍♀️ 

Registration is NOW OPEN for the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 25th at Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

* FREE registration for K-8 Students before 10/25

* Parents & Adults run with their children in the Family Fun Run for $5 fee

* Register online by October 10 for a free Run t-shirt

Join Lakeland's favorite October tradition - where families run together for positive choices!

Register at: https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599 

Scientists Continue to Study Kratom - 7-OH Use & Effects

 

We mentioned Kratom in our blog last month when the State of Florida issued an emergency ban on a concentrated and synthetic kratom compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Florida Attorney General James UthMeier made it illegal to sell this compound found in some kratom products and classified the popular drug as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in our state.

Scientists continue to study its effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this supplement is typically marketed as an energy booster, mind lifter, pain reliever, and opioid withdrawal remedy. It is typically found at dispensaries, smoke shops, even restaurants, sometimes infused with drinks. Despite its growing popularity, there are many questions when it comes to kratom.

In a recent Health Alert segment on WESH News in Orlando, emergency medicine physician and toxicologist at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. Joseph Thundiyil, shared findings from recent research  - one being that Kratom is addictive. Some say it is compulsively addictive, with users spending hundreds of dollars a day to get a fix. It is an unregulated plant that contains 40+ chemicals and can interact with other medications a user may be taking. This may lead to severe effects, such as liver damage and even death. Also, there are still many unknowns and no proved medical benefits have been found.

According to medical examiners involved with local research, almost 40 deaths have taken place over the past 5 years in the state of Florida related to kratom use. Tremendous caution is advised, simply because this is an unregulated substance with proven adverse interactions with other medications. Doctors shared that any time there is a product like this that is addictive, it comes with high risks - especially for those already suffering from addiction, adolescents/young adults, and the elderly. Further research is needed.

Watch the Health Alert segment

https://www.wesh.com/article/central-florida-doctor-unveils-kratom-research-findings-potential-dangers/66102687 

Shop with Project HOCO Tomorrow – Saturday, September 13

 

Come down to Project HOCO's Student Shopping Day tomorrow - Saturday, September 13 - at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, across from Rack Room Shoes. Our UthMpact teen leaders will be on hand from 11am to 4pm to assist you in finding cool clothing to dress your best for Homecoming!

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming festivities and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

If you miss your opportunity to shop tomorrow, check us out on the remaining Project HOCO Shopping Days on Saturdays October 4 and October 11.

10 Affirmations for Teens

 

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression are on the rise among the teenage population. Adults tend to forget that being a teen is an emotionally volatile time. It's not uncommon to hear them say, "My life is over" or "What's the use?" Society tends to reject these declarations as being overdramatic, but for many teens, sometimes it may actually seem like the end of the world to them.

If you're searching for a way to improve your child's mental state, consider helping them to practice positive thinking and recite phrases of positive affirmation to help combat negative thinking and propel growth. 

Similar to how exercise can boost physical health, daily affirmations like those suggested in the graphic above empower teens to take charge of their emotions, handle changes, and believe in their unique qualities.

Thoughts and words are powerful. A positive frame of mind can lead to making better decisions. Parents and caregivers, please take time to affirm your teens and help boost their overall well-being so they can become happy, confident young adults.

Patriot Day in the U.S. – Always Remember and Never Forget 9-11-2001

 

September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten. Today is Patriot Day - a day that serves as a reminder of the impact of that day on the nation and on the world. 

24 years later, Americans continue to honor the memories of those who lost their lives, to pay tribute to the bravery of the first responders, and to reflect on the values of freedom, democracy, and resilience. 

Although time goes by, we will always recall where we were during one of the worst days in American history as tragedy ensued at the Twin Towers in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

Out of this unspeakable tragedy came stories of strength, courage, fortitude, and some of the bravest acts of the heroes of 9/11 - we remember and honor the innocent lives lost, the heroes who stepped up to defend our country, the families who suffer painful loss of loved ones, the volunteers who gave selflessly, and those who sacrificed everything.

God Bless America

Marijuana Use in Older Adults May Raise Dementia Risks

 

Marijuana use in older adults may raise dementia risks - especially after ER visits or hospital stays. Findings stem from a growing body of research showing that a steady increase in use of marijuana among older adults often links to various health concerns.

A study by the University of California used data from over 15,000 adults age 65 and older and found a sharp increase in prevalence of marijuana use over the past month among this population - rising from a 4.8% increase in 2021 to 7.0% in 2023. Scientists identified a link between rise in use and such factors as residing in a state with legal medical marijuana, being female, and other health issues including heart conditions, diabetes, and hypertension, in addition to other sociodemographic and clinic outcomes.

A second study was done in Ontario, Canada where marijuana has been legal for recreational use since 2018. Health data from over 6 million individuals was used - with a focus on adults age 45 & older over a 14-year period - to assess whether marijuana use that led to an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization could be associated with future dementia diagnosis. Findings showed that between 2008-2021, marijuana-related emergency care increased dramatically in adults age 65 & older, with a 26.7-fold increase. Among adults age 45-64, the rate increased 5-fold. This surge reflects both the growing normalization of marijuana and a growing number of older adults experimenting with or becoming dependent on its use.

As use has increased, so has concern about marijuana's potential consequences related to brain health. Study findings showed that those who required emergency care for marijuana-related reasons were significantly more likely to develop dementia. Within 5 years, 5% of marijuana-related acute care patients were diagnosed with dementia - compared to 3.6% among individuals with other types of hospital visits, and 1.3% in the general population.

Other studies have shown the same association between heavy marijuana use and memory and cognitive decline - now, recent studies add to the concern that long-term use, heavy use, or cannabis use disorder (CUD) may also accelerate long-term neurodegeneration. 

Growing use of marijuana can make older adults more vulnerable to age-related changes of the brain and possibility of unknown interactions with other health conditions or medications. As marijuana use grows in the older adult age group, targeted prevention and education strategies are urgently needed.

Read more from the Drug Free America Foundation:

https://www.dfaf.org/marijuana-use-in-older-adults-may-be-an-overlooked-risk-factor-for-dementia-and-other-conditions/

Tips to Help You Be More Mindful

 

To be mindful means to be aware of how you feel and what is happening around you. Mindfulness suggests that the mind is fully attending to what you're doing and what is happening. That might seem trivial - except for the annoying fact that we are often distracted from the matter at hand.

When our minds take flight, we lose touch with our body and soon we may find ourselves engrossed in obsessive thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that makes us stressed and anxious.

Here are some tips to help you be more mindful:

*Put your phone away when you spend time with others 📵

*Really listen to what others say in conversations and respond thoughtfully after careful consideration 👂

*Remind yourself that the task you are currently doing is the only task you need to focus on 💡

*Make it a habit to turn off the TV and all devices when you eat dinner or any other meal 

It's best to focus fully on the moment at hand. When you are truly invested and devoted, you're better able to engage in life's experiences and maybe even expand your wisdom and understanding.

Another bonus of practicing mindfulness is that it can help lower stress, improve focus, and foster greater self-awareness and well-being. We can all benefit from that! 👍   

Please Invest in Prevention!

 

Back in 1985, a small group of concerned citizens believed that prevention could work in Central Florida. Now 40 years later, we are celebrating InnerAct Alliance's 40th Ruby Anniversary of providing prevention services in our community - an effort that began one classroom, one student, one family at a time!

Won't you help us continue the power of positive prevention? Every $1 invested in prevention saves $7 to $30 in treatment costs. Even a small donation supports programs for our community's students, parents, and schools - helping to raise safe, healthy, and substance-free children.

Here's what your 40th Anniversary donation can help us accomplish:

*Reach more students in communities across Polk, Hardee & Highlands counties

*Train teen prevention ambassadors through the UthMpact leadership development program

*Provide FREE science-based education to all participating schools

*Support initiatives like Project Prom & Project Homecoming to provide free formalwear to Polk high school students as as incentive to make smart choices

YOUR investment in prevention ensures positive choices remain the norm, not the exception. 

To impact prevention in a positive way,
please text IAA to 269-89 or donate: https://inneractalliance.harnessgiving.org/donate

Celebrate People & Moments that Nurture Wellness

 

Our prevention partners at SAMHSA - the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - remind us of how important it is to check in with each other, especially with the young people in our lives. 

We know that youth today face very real pressures. Support from those around them can make all the difference. Parents & caregivers, encourage the young ones in your life and let them know that it's okay to talk about stress, emotions, and mental health.🧠

Here's a few simple ways to start:

Check in and ask how they are really doing 💭
Plan some screen-free family time 📵
Talk about healthy ways to cope 💡

The conversation you start today could be the support they need tomorrow - let them know you care and encourage them to communicate! 💬💜

UthMpact Class XV Etiquette Dinner with Leadership Lakeland Alumni

 

A good time was had by all who attended the UthMpact Leadership Class XV Business Etiquette Dinner hosted by Leadership Lakeland Alumni last week at the Lone Palm Golf Club. Our high school student leaders participating in Class XV had an incredible opportunity to meet and network with members of Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association and local community and business leaders while enjoying a fine dining experience together.

Our teen leaders learned the importance of proper dining etiquette in a formal setting and discussed informative topics with members of the Lakeland business community including advice about hiring practices for young people and sharing life and career insights, as well as a special presentation by IAA's humane educator, Michelle Bachmaier.

Our thanks and appreciation to all who attended this event, especially the Lakeland Alumni Association and Lone Palm for graciously hosting our group and providing wonderful service. 

UthMpact Hosts 2025 Project HOCO Shopping Days

Project HOCO's 2025 Student Shopping Dates are set and UthMpact is proud to continue providing formal wear for teens in need. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming festivities and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! Nearly 6,000 prom and homecoming ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Student Shopping Days are scheduled for Saturdays: September 6 & 13 and October 4 & 11, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Project Prom/Project Homecoming Store located in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. 98N, in Lakeland (across from Rack Room Shoes). 

Community members may support the Project Prom and Project Homecoming efforts by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, ties, and accessories. Especially needed are ladies plus-size dresses (size 18+) and smaller size dresses (0-4), along with men's wear in smaller sizes. Donations my be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping days or at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland - weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes.

UthMpact's goal is to promote a fun and safe Homecoming. 

Visit us at 

 https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk/ 

https://www.instagram.com/uthmpact/

Proof that Prevention Works!

 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to have played an integral part in building prevention foundations in our community for the past four decades. This school year, our prevention specialists will reach over 70 classrooms with science-based education programs that work. The proof is reflected in the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), which shows that 83% of Polk Students in grades 6-12 choose alcohol-free lives, 88% reject vaping, and 87% say no to marijuana. 

When our nonprofit agency first began in 1985, we served just a handful of classrooms. Today, thousands of students benefit from peer-to-peer prevention offered through our UthMpact youth leadership program, interactive Red Ribbon Challenges each October, and positive messaging year-round that celebrates what is working in our communities.

Please join us in celebrating the fact that most kids ARE making good choices and support our efforts to empower the next generation of students to help them promote positive peer pressure!