Parents Pack Health Kits with Narcan for College Kids

 

Back to School Prep has certainly changed in recent years. Now, some parents are packing health kits containing Narcan for their college students to take back to school to help combat overdoses and keep kids safe. Narcan is a popular brand name for naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. Once available only by prescription, it is now available for over-the-counter use.

As parents, we talk to our kids openly about substance abuse to educate and encourage them to make good choices, but peer pressure can be a challenge especially with social media. In the college environment, the reality is that your teen may encounter new experiences while attending parties and living among other in the dorm so there is a chance they may be exposed to someone who has an overdose.

There is a bit of controversy associated with this issue - some studies show that few college students know how to correctly administer the Narcan nasal spray effectively to reverse the effects of opioids. There are also mixed opinions among parents - some believe that providing teens with Narcan may encourage drug use. Other believe that it's better to have Narcan on hand for emergency situations and not need it, than not to have it at all. It is important whichever side of the issue you may be on that you continue to educate yourself and have open conversations with your children about safety and healthy choices.

On a recent episode of the Fox News show "Outnumbered," panelists discussed the pros and cons of providing teens with Narcan. 

Here is a link to view the 5-minute segment: 

https://www.foxnews.com/health/parents-send-college-kids-back-school-narcan-combat-overdoses

Enjoy A Delicious Meal with Your Family & Support Prevention!

 

This year, InnerAct Alliance is celebrating four decades of serving the Lakeland and Polk County community with substance abuse prevention programs and events. During the 2025-2026 school year, our prevention specialists will reach students in over 70 classrooms to provide science-based education that is proven to work.

Please mark your calendar for Thursday, October 2 and join us for a special 40th Ruby Anniversary event. Plan to eat lunch with friends and co-workers 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 prevention programs and activities in our community such as the Annual Red Ribbon Run (coming up on 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.

Hope to see you and your family at Il Forno on October 2 to celebrate healthy choices!

In The News: US Coast Guard Makes Largest-Ever Drug Seizure Off FL’s Coast

 

This past Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded a record-breaking amount of more than 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs off the coast of Florida, marking the largest-ever cocaine and drug seizure in a single operation in Coast Guard history.

According to the Coast Guard reports in a recent news story, the Cutter Hamilton offloaded the drugs at Port Everglades, Florida, as part of Operation Pacific Viper. The drugs, which totaled 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana were worth $473 million. 

Coast Guard officials put this seizure of drugs in perspective by explaining that with a legal dose of cocaine being as little as 1.2 grams, the cocaine haul offloaded by the Hamilton's crew contained enough lethal doses to potentially kill 23 million people.

Operation Pacific Viper is part of the nation's efforts to disrupt drug cartel activity in Latin America and stop drugs and human smuggling before they reach American shores. The Coast Guard has been working partnership with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations, and a ship from the Royal Netherlands Navy to patrol in international waters and protect our nation.

Read more:

https://www.foxnews.com/us/coast-guard-offloads-record-breaking-amount-drugs-florida-coast

In the News: Arrests in Local Drug Trafficking Operation

 

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested multiple suspects following a lengthy investigation of illegal drug trafficking. Sheriff Grady Judd said 32 suspects were arrested during "Operation Capital City Crackdown" as the drug trafficking organization was based out of Bartow, Florida. A 65-year-old woman was killed by drugs sold by one of the suspects.

In last week's press conference on August 22, Sheriff Judd wore a thick gold chain he referred to as "gold drip" around his neck that belonged to one of the suspects leading the ring and waved around a gun to make a point about the dangers of drug trafficking. The Sheriff explained, "People continue to tell you that drugs are low-level and non-violent. They are anything but low-level and non-violent. Where you see $50,000 in drip, where you see that not so dangerous drug of cannabis, you see guns...and you see first-degree murder from overdose. I am over it. I am over it when people tell you these drugs are low-level and non-violent."

Judd said that a total of 8 search warrants were served countywide. Thousands of grams of various illegal drugs were seized with a total street value of $150,000.

As part of the collaborative Operation Capital City Crackdown investigation, detectives from the Polk County Sheriff's Office Organized Crime Unit and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force worked alongside the State Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Medical Examiner's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow Police Department, and the Auburndale Police Department. 

We appreciate law enforcement keeping our communities safe! 💊🚨

Counting down to the 2025 Red Ribbon Run…

 

InnerAct Alliance is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of serving the Lakeland and Polk County community with substance abuse prevention programs and special events. 

One of our favorite Ruby Anniversary celebration events is the 2025 Red Ribbon Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, coming up on Saturday morning, October 25, with free registration for the Kids Fun Run for K-8 students, along with the Family Fun Run (parents run/walk with their children $5 fee) and the Run the World vendor & activities area at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

Virtual Red Ribbon Challenges with themes of nutrition/fitness, kindness/tolerance, healthy mind/body, and investing in yourself begin on September 29 and continue each week through October on the IAA website for kids to complete - register now - see link below. 

Watch for the Red Ribbon Run video on TV and streaming channels in a few weeks. 

For registration & information,
visit IAA's website on the Red Ribbon Run tab: 

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

Be Mindful of Internet Influences

 

Research shows that there is a definite link between social media and substance use. For some teens, the line between the virtual world and the real world can sometimes become blurry.

Although social apps and websites are marketed as a safe, fun, online place to interact with family and friends, there is also a dark side that can shape the way teens feel about substance use. Social media may influence teens to experiment with dangerous substances such as alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Kids are influenced by images of young people partying so they may think it's the only way to have a good time. Some companies use marketing tricks, like hiring social media influencers to promote products or offer promotional giveaways, to attract school-aged students. 

Children and teens need adult guidance when it comes to the realities and dangers of social media usage. Here are a few Tips on what Parents and Caregivers can do to keep their children safe:

*Keep a watchful eye on your child's social media use to be aware of the sites they may be visiting

*Discuss potential dangers of interacting with those they don't know over social media

*Help teens think through consequences of online actions and participating in trending challenges

*Remind youth that what others post may be how they want things to appear and not reflect reality

Parents should remind their teens that after scrolling the internet, they will return to living in the real world. And that's the world in which we need to live our lives - not the virtual one.

What Parents Need to Know About Back to School & Mental Health

 

Starting a new school year can be an exciting time but it can also be stressful. Adjusting to a new grade level, new teachers, new classroom, and making new friends can sometimes cause feelings of anxiety and fear. Times of transition can be tricky for kids to navigate. Cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicide could become a cause for concern as the school year begins, which is often connected to substance abuse.

Understand transition times are difficult at any age - watch for signs of distress as your kids transition to a new school year. You can help them manage stress by monitoring mood changes, sleep patterns, and watching for signs of isolation. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms such as maintaining a balanced schedule that includes exercise, nutritious meals, and plenty of sleep, connecting to positive social support, and modeling healthy ways to manage stress.

Know the signs of common mental health conditions - the most common mental health conditions in youth are anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. General symptoms to be aware of include poor school performance or changes in school performance, persistent boredom, frequent physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep issues, signs of regression like bedwetting, and even aggressive behaviors.

Learn how to start a conversation around mental health - understanding how to talk about mental health, just like talking about substance abuse, is one of the most important things you will do as a parent. Teens report that their parents are still the most important influence on their lives. When beginning conversations, it is important to speak from a place of empathy and express care. Use general language such as "I am worried about you," "I am here for you," or "Can we talk about what is going on with you?" You want your child to know that you are there for them every step of the way. Gentle approaches build trust with your child as they are more willing to open up about sensitive issues. 

UthMpact Leadership Class XV Doing Great Things!

 

Our amazing youth participating in the 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Class XV have spent a busy summer planning and networking for the year ahead. They recently participated in a Personality Workshop & Leadership Retreat at the end of July to complete challenging activities, plan, and bond as a group. These photos show just some of the fun enjoyed by all!

Next up on their busy agenda is the UthMpact Business Etiquette Dinner later this month hosted by Leadership Lakeland Alumni. This is always a fantastic opportunity for the youth to network with local business leaders and learn proper dining etiquette while enjoying a delicious four-course meal!

Check out ALL the good things happening with UthMpact on Instagram

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

Secondhand Marijuana Smoke & Kids

 

With more and more states legalizing marijuana for recreational use, we need to consider what the dangers of secondhand smoke may be to children. Studies have shown that when a person is around someone who is smoking marijuana that smoke can get into their system as well. How much depends on how close the person smoking is, how long you are exposed, and how much ventilation may be available in the space.

Regardless of the answers to those questions, the research is clear that cannabinoids - the chemicals that cause the "high" from marijuana - can be shared with those nearby, including children. Besides the fact that we do not want children to get high or be exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke, there is additional concern about the long-term effects on the brain. Evidence suggests that when youth, whose brains are still developing, are exposed to marijuana, it may have permanent effects on executive brain functions, memory, and even IQ.

It is best not to smoke at all, but if you are an adult who does smoke, think about others and take care NOT to smoke around your children ever. Even if your child is not physically there, it is still important NOT to smoke in areas where they will be - like your home or car - because smoke residue does linger.

As legal use of marijuana grows more common. we need to protect our younger generation from dangerous secondhand smoke. Just because something may be legal doesn't mean it is safe. And when adults make choices that have risks, it is not fair to impose those risks on others - especially children, as it has the potential to harm them for the rest of their lives.

Life Advice from The Cat in the Hat

 

The Cat in the Hat can create playful strife 🎩

but we can all learn a lesson for balance in life!

My most favorite of all is:

Today you are YOU!

That's truer than TRUE!

There is no one alive...

Who is YOU-ER than YOU!

In The News: Florida Takes Action Banning Concentrated 7-OH Products

 

Yesterday, August 13th, the State of Florida officially classified an increasingly popular drug, known as 7-OH - or 7-Hydroxymitragynine - in the same category as heroin and banned its sale a month after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for a nationwide crackdown.

Doctors warn that this drug can cause both euphoria and sedation. Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, shared that Florida is taking 7-OH off the shelves immediately because "this dangerous substance is being marketed to teens and young adults and has a high potential for abuse and death."

7-OH is found in the Kratom plant as a naturally-occurring substance. It is often marketed and sold as a pain reliever. The Kratom leaf, used in teas or ground-up, is not the focus of these investigations because it only contains trace amounts. What is being investigated is a synthetic, concentrated by-product that has developed in recent years and goes by several names including 7-OH, 7-Omega, 7-Hydroxy - these are dangerous products that people are becoming addicted to.

These small pills are a synthetic and concentrated form of Kratom, used by some to wean themselves off opioids. It is described as a psychoactive drug stronger than morphine. It interacts with opioid receptors in the body. Packages of 7-Hydroxy can generally be found across Central Florida on the shelves at smoke shops and gas stations, located next to vape pens. It may come in pill form, gummies, or contained in drinks. 

The issue is that any type of concentrated, synthetic opioid product like this may have varying potency and additives - experts want people to know to avoid 7-OH, 7-Hydroxy, and any gummy, candy, or drink with 7-OH in it.

Read: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-files-emergency-rule-immediately-removing-dangerous-7

Nitazenes – A Deadly Drug Up to 10x Stronger Than Fentanyl

 

A little-known opioid that is deadlier than fentanyl has led to a growing number of overdose deaths across America in recent years. According to a report from the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Nitazenes, a class of synthetic opioids known as the benzimidazole-opioids, are being detected with increasing frequency in overdose cases. These drugs can be up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl and routine drug screens may not detect them.💊

Experts warn that nitazenes are being produced in illicit labs overseas and trafficked into the U.S. through the same channels used for fentanyl. To get around enforcement crackdowns on fentanyl, drug traffickers often turn to producing these new synthetic opioids since the drugs are cheap to make and easy to move. Synthetic nitazenes come in pills, powders, sprays, and other forms that can be snorted, smoked, injected, or taken orally.

The biggest risk is their potency - which can be hundreds of times stronger than morphine and potentially 10-40x more potent than fentanyl so that even the tiniest of doses can be potentially deadly.💀

The CICAD report warns that these drugs are known to cause dependency, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and seizures. Another issue is unpredictability of nitazenes in the street supply. Producers of synthetic opioids tweak the chemical structures to evade laws and standard tests. Users may think they're taking one thing, but they may end up taking something different. Naloxone can reverse overdoses, but multiple doses may be needed due to their potency.

Stay informed because we know that public awareness, widespread naloxone distribution, and rapid drug checking are key to preventing deaths.

Learn more about Nitazenes

https://drugfree.org/drugs/nitazenes/

Back-to-School Checklist from Polk County Sheriff’s Office

 

Back-to-School Basics from Sheriff Grady Judd 

"This message is so important, we made y'all a worksheet and even filled it out for you. Talk to your students about which items are and are not permitted on school campuses. Let's all have a safe school year together!" 

Thank You Sheriff Judd & PCSO Deputies for

keeping our community and schools safe!

🚔 🚨

Welcome Back Polk County Students & IAA Teachers

 

Welcome Back Polk County Students & Teachers 

especially the prevention specialists on the IAA Team! 😊 

lnnerAct Alliance wishes all Polk County students, families, teachers, administrators, and bus drivers a great First Day of the 2025-2026 School Year!🏫 We appreciate and thank you for all you do to support our most precious resource - our students! 👦👧

Drivers - please watch for students walking to and from the bus stop and around school zones each day. Allow extra time to get where you are going so you're not rushed while driving. Let's keep a watchful eye out for our students and make sure they are safe and protected! Have a wonderful first day! 

The Dog Days of Summer

 

You've heard the term "dog days of summer" but do you know the actual meaning behind it? 🐕🌞

The "dog days" refer to the hottest days of the summer, typically in July and August. The phrase can be traced back thousands of years to the days of the Roman Empire. People noticed that the dog star Sirius⭐ rose and set around the same time as the sun after the summer solstice - usually July 3 through August 11 during the hottest and most humid days of the year in the northern hemisphere. The Romans believed that Sirius' brightness increased the sun's warmth, making the days even hotter.

In celebration of the "dog days of summer" and this last weekend of summer break before school starts next week, enjoy a family hot dog grill out 🌭, pool time, and cool treats like watermelon🍉or shaved ice 🍧to stay cool!

In The News: Local Law Enforcement Keeping Polk Safe

 

Yesterday in Polk County, one driver thought he could outsmart Florida Highway Patrol troopers but he failed miserably. After a successful PIT maneuver and arrest, FHP recovered 150 pounds of marijuana and approximately $40,000 from his vehicle - just look at all that marijuana on the hoods of the troopers' cars! Kudos to FHP and troopers who face dangers like this each day to protect our communities and keep our roads safe, while taking dangerous drugs off our streets and away from our children!

Shoutout also to Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies who arrested 50 people for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and/or drugs during July 2025. Among the arrests, 15 were involved in crashes. Two of those arrested were driving with a child in the vehicle. These 50 arrests were PCSO arrests only - not including other arrests made in Polk by any city police departments or Florida Highway Patrol. Sheriff Judd reminds us that if you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, be sure to call 9-1-1 immediately. Stay safe!

Be on Alert for Common Emoji Codes Signaling Potential Drug Use

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has shared this "cheat sheet graphic" picturing some of the common emoji symbols that may be used by teens to disguise drug-related communication and content. Sharing information like this helps to decode the emoji slang associated with buying and selling drugs.  

The reference guide is intended to give parents, caregivers, educators, and other influencers a better sense of how emojis are being used in conjunction with illegal drugs. Fake prescription pills that are commonly laced with deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms - making them available to anyone who has a smartphone.

Please help spread awareness and keep our community safe! 

Anyone Having A Cat In The Hat Kind of Day?

 

Anyone having A Cat in the Hat Kind of Day? Can you relate to a Tuesday that feels like a Monday?

Balancing our responsibilities can sometimes be a little daunting. At times like this, it's always best to keep a sense of humor as we manage the highs & lows of our daily lives. I think that's why people love Dr. Seuss and his characters so much. Using enchanted worlds and wonderful creatures, the great Dr. Seuss is able to teach readers admirable life lessons about the importance of taking responsibility. He and the beloved characters in his stories encourage us to see our own potential and use our capabilities to reach our goals while still having fun along the way! 

Power of Positive Fact-Checking

 

We're constantly bombarded by media messaging, news, and information online, in the world, and within our everyday lives. For that reason, it is even more important to be sure we are receiving accurate information. ⚖

Media literacy and digital literacy are valuable skills in our always-connected world. It's always a good idea to verify the information with one or two reputable sources. Make sure it's legitimate and consider that it could possibly be altered - very possible these days with AI so prevalent. 

Our friends @ Positively Present remind us to check the facts using 6 short prompts from checking the source to considering who/what might potentially benefit from the info being true. 

By taking these 6 fact-checking questions into consideration, it can help separate what's real and what's manufactured - including examining and evaluating our own thoughts. 💭

August Self-Care

 

August is National Wellness Month - a perfect time to focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Taking time for self-discovery is a good way to access what is going right and what isn't, as well as think about which changes can be made to set yourself on a path to living a beautiful life.

Research suggests that self-care promotes positive healthy outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress. Even small acts of self-care added to our daily lives can play a big role in taking good care of our minds, bodies, and souls. It helps to reinforce the belief that our needs are valid and should be a priority.

To encourage the practice of regular self-care, InnerAct Alliance is happy to share this inspiration graphic from our friends @ Positively Present reminding us of some simple ways to incorporate proactive self-care in our lives each day. During August, we encourage you to...accept the unknown, protect your peace, capture calm moments, and stand tall in your truth.