We Appreciate Our 2025 Red Ribbon Run Sponsors & Volunteers

 

Free Online Registration for K-8 Students Ends Tonight

Just 1 More Day 'til the Red Ribbon Run

Saturday, October 25

Lake Mirror in Lakeland

FREE Online Registration for Students in Grade K-8 ends tonight Friday Oct. 24

Registration on Saturday, Oct. 25 will be $5

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

Come Join Us to Run the World

Just 2 Days Left to Register FREE for the Red Ribbon Run

 

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

🎀 Join Us to Run the World! 🎀

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

 

Studies show that medications in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to support the DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration's Fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 25 in partnership with participating law enforcement locations in Polk County.

Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. We are committed to helping families safely dispose of unused or expired medications and keep our communities healthy and drug-free! 💊

Happy Red Ribbon Week: October 23 – 31

 

Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, is celebrated each year from October 23 to October 31. It has become the nation's largest drug-use prevention message campaign. 

Red Ribbon began with DEA Agent Kiki Camarena's ultimate sacrifice in 1985 - the same year InnerAct Alliance started serving Central Florida. For 40 years, we've honored his legacy by proving prevention works through positive action, not just remembrance. We join other communities across the country to wear red and display red ribbons to raise awareness and take a stand for healthy, drug-free living.

Fast Facts

*90% of Americans with addiction started using substances before age 18

*1-in-4 Americans who began using substances before age 18 experience addiction

*Parents are the #1 influence on a child's decision to remain drug free

How Can You Get Involved?

*wear red, hang a red ribbon on your door to show support
*talk to the youth in your life about making healthy choices
*share resources about healthy lifestyle choices on social media
*host or join a Red Ribbon Week event in your school or community

How Can You Participate in our local Red Ribbon Run?

*register your kids & family to participate in the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, Oct. 25 at Lake Mirror
*K-8 Students register FREE by midnight Friday, Oct. 24 for the Kids Fun Run or $5 day of the event
*adults can run with their children in the Family Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25 - registration fee $5

Register

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

Why It Matters

*youth who avoid early use are less likely to develop addiction later in life
*campaign like Red Ribbon Week promote positive community norms
*even one caring adult can make a difference in a young person's future
*the majority of youth choose to stay drug-free
*prevention education helps to create environments where young people thrive

Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that prevention saves lives. Together, our actions send a powerful message that a drug-free future is possible for every young person!

Ease Anxiety with a Calm Mind

 

These days everyone is juggling many responsibilities. Teens especially may find themselves having to balance schoolwork, exams, duties at home, drama with friends. Add in after-school sports, clubs, a part-time job, and that's a lot on their plates. It's no wonder our youth feel a little stressed and overwhelmed now and then.😓

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges among teens. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 1-in-3 teens has an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. 

If life in general has you feeling a bit overwhelmed, check out "Calm Minds: A Guide to Easing Anxiety" to learn the difference between stress, worry, and anxiety. This is a great resource for youth to learn practical tips on how to manage stress, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthy habits. 

Read more at:

https://www.wethinktwice.acf.hhs.gov/calm-minds-guide-easing-anxiety? 

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

 

Our final Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 (October 20-26) sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, challenges you to learn more about yourself, your family, and other people, places, and cultures by Investing in Yourself & In Your Future - it's a valuable way to expand our horizons and increase knowledge!

Suggested fun activities for this week include researching family roots to view photos, watch videos, and learn more about where our ancestors come from. Take it one step further to explore traditions of other countries to learn about different food, dances, and celebrations.

It's also a good habit to start saving money - research new places to travel on a family vacation or travel virtually on your laptop or iPad. Create a travel poster or brochure for inspiration!

Another great way to invest in yourself is to eat right and exercise. You're invited to "Run the World" at the Red Ribbon Run this Saturday morning, October 25, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can pre-register FREE before 10/25 to participate in the Kids Fun Run ($5 fee on event day) - Adults pay $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run. After the Run Heats, visit the World Tour Vendor area for healthy snacks, activities, and entertainment. 

Register to Participate

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

🎀Register for the Kids Fun Run🎀
https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599 

Clean Out the Family Medicine Cabinet for DEA’s Prescription Take-Back Day

 

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 next weekend on Saturday, October 25 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. 

Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. Discarding medication by flushing or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for abuse and offers a convenient, responsible means of disposal.

Our community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following Polk County locations (pending confirmation of participation) for citizens to turn in Human and Pet prescription and over-the-counter medications in liquid and solid form, as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices with batteries removed. Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.
Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Highway 27
Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.
Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave.
Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.
Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW

Medication may also be taken to the county's permanent drop sites, 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); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes). 

For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Countdown to the Red Ribbon Run Saturday, Oct 25

 

For over 30 years, families have gathered at Lake Mirror Promenade every October to run, walk, and celebrate drug-free, healthy choices together. This isn't just our biggest event, it's become a Lakeland tradition where three generations often participate side by side!

What makes this year's Red Ribbon Run special:

*FREE registration for K-8 students before 10/25
*Chip-timed Kids Fun Run race heats with trophies for top finishers
*Family Fun Run for Adults & Kids just $5 (not timed)
*World Tour Activities & Vendor Area celebrating healthy choices
*InnerAct Alliance is celebrating its 40th Anniversary

Whether you're 5 or 75, there's a place for you at the starting line at the Red Ribbon Run next weekend on Saturday morning, October 25th, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland! 

🎀 Register Today to Participate 🎀

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

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

What Is Harm Reduction?

 

Harm reduction can be described as any action taken that reduces risk and increases personal and public safety. The graphic above identifies some common methods to normalize the term "harm reduction" and help broaden the definition.

Most of us already practice harm reduction techniques to help prevent injury, disease, or other harm - for example washing hands to prevent spread of disease, wearing a seatbelt in the car or a helmet when riding a bike to keep us safe.

When it comes to harm reduction for alcohol and other substances, it is about being proactive to help reduce or lower risk. It is not limited to abstinence - it is best to support safe practices that can improve overall quality of life. For example, arranging for a designated driver is a responsible step to make roads safer and lower risk of a fatal alcohol-related accident. It can also involve medication to reduce cravings for substances or carrying Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an overdose.

Harm reduction matters because it offers ways to make positive changes to stay safer and healthier. The prevention experts at the Partnership to End Addiction provides tools, tips, and resources to help us learn how to increase safety, reduce risk, and support harm reduction in our families and in our communities.

https://drugfree.org/harm-reduction-resource-center/ 

10 DAYS until the Red Ribbon Run Saturday October 25

 

There's still time to register to participate in the 2025 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 25 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland!

For decades, our community has gathered for this incredible tradition and we can't wait to see you there with us! Whether you're a Red Ribbon veteran or this is your first time, you're in for a morning filled with joy, connection, and celebration of drug-free choices!

What's going on?

*Race Heats for K-8 Students - a chance for our young champions to shine! Timed race heats to win medals and trophies...or just run for fun!

*Family Fun Run - a chance for parents to run or walk with their kids! Non-timed race heats, perfect for all ages and fitness levels!

*Free Registration for Students in Grades K-8 before event day 10/25/25 - $5 on Saturday 10/25

*Parents pay $5 to run or walk with their kids in the Family Fun Run

Why This Matters: Data proves our approach works - most kids DON'T engage in risky behaviors because of community-wide prevention efforts like this! When you participate on October 25th, you show our youth that healthy choices are the norm - not the exception.

Your registration supports FREE prevention education programs that reach thousands of students across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties!

Register Today to Participate

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

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

What Do Teens Find Appealing About Vaping

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), today's youth report reasons they choose to vape as social influences like friends and siblings who vape; marketing that uses enticing flavors like candy and fruit; and a misconception that vaping is less harmful than other tobacco products. Other factors may include curiosity, peer pressure, and the highly addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes. Many also like the fact that vapes are discreet, easy to hide, and generally viewed as cool and relatively harmless.  

Vaping is made to look appealing by companies who use strategic marketing tactics like sleek packaging and social media influencers to entice young people. JUUL became a popular device by going straight to the source where youth spend most of their time and receive information - social media. Ads glamorized vaping by highlighting fruit and sweet-flavored vapes that cover the harsh taste of the chemicals in vapes and mask a sense that these products may be harmful.

Many vapes contain high doses of nicotine - the main addictive substance in all tobacco products. What may start as a social experiment can quickly become an addiction.🕱 The brain becomes accustomed to having nicotine, which is especially harmful to youth as the adolescent brain is still developing until about age 25. Nicotine is also known to adversely impact learning, memory, and attention...and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.🧠

Before your kids even think about vaping, help them learn the facts and potential risks - knowledge is power!💪 

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html

Have you seen the Red Ribbon Run TV Commercial on Spectrum TV?

 

Have you seen the Red Ribbon Run TV Commercial

running on Spectrum TV stations?

Register Today to Participate

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

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

Join Us for Week 3 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges

 

Families can get involved in supporting prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events and online Red Ribbon Challenges this month that feature different health-oriented challenge activities each week on InnerActAlliance.org for children to complete with their family and friends.

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 3 (October 13-19) encourages a Healthy Mind & Healthy Body, which begins with being smart and making healthy choices when you eat, exercise, and care for yourself and others. Suggested activities include trying different exercises, meals, and snacks. Try calming ways to soothe your mind and body, like practicing Yoga stretches and poses. Another way to energize is with a cold glass of milk or a yummy milkshake to build strong bones.

Research new ways to boost your cardio - see how far you, family, and friends can run or walk. Remember to stretch and warm up your muscles first! 

Register to "Run the World" and participate in the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 25, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in Grade K-8 can register FREE before 10/25/25 and Adults pay just $5 to run or walk in the Family Fun Run with their kids:
https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599.

Hope to see you all at the Red Ribbon Run at Lake Mirror on October 25 - a fun day for all!

Register Today to Be Guaranteed a Free Red Ribbon Run T-Shirt!

 

Here is a friendly reminder from these smart students who made sure to register for the Red Ribbon Run by tonight - Friday October 10 - to guarantee their chance to run in the Kids Fun Run K-8 Grade Heats on Saturday morning, October 25 at Lake Mirror and receive a FREE Red Ribbon Run T-Shirt! Run T-Shirts cannot be guaranteed for anyone who registers after 10/10/25.

Visit the InnerAct Alliance website today to sign up! Registration is FREE for Kids in Grades K-8 before 10/25/25 and $5 on the day of the event. Adults pay $5 to run or walk with their kids in the Family Fun Run.

To register, click the Red Ribbon Run Registration link 

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

Join us Saturday Oct 25 at Lake Mirror!

Study: More Teens Are Vaping Flavored Marijuana

 

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, vaping marijuana has become increasingly popular among youth weed users and flavored cannabis vapes are their preferred product.

"These products are gaining traction among youth. Since the pandemic onset in 2020, youth appear to be turning towards these products while reducing their use of all other drugs," said lead researcher Richard Miech, the principal investigator of the "Monitoring the Future" project at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. The study leaned on data from that project, an annual survey of American 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, with more than 54,000 high schoolers surveyed between 2021-2024.

Results show teenage weed users have started to prefer vaped cannabis to other forms like smoking or edibles.

From 2021 to 2024, vaping cannabis increased

48% to 57% among 8th graders who use weed
60% to 66% among 10th graders

58% to 67% among 12th graders

And among those who vape weed, flavored vapes have become increasingly popular with use rising from

47% to 63% among 8th graders
41% to 53% among 10th graders
36% to 50% among 12th graders

Another issue is that the flavored vapes are so easily accessible - teens are able to get them from their social circles, older siblings, convenience stores and gas stations, many of which are not consistently checking their store shelves.

"Flavored vaping solutions offer a discreet mode of cannabis use, with flavors that enhance their appeal," said Miech. "The study results suggest that a growing proportion of youth find the newly-available flavors - especially fruit flavors - more attractive than the standard cannabis taste." Other reasons he stated for the surge, "Vaping does not produce the distinctive odor that comes from smoking cannabis, and vaping devices can be quickly concealed if an authority figure appears unexpectedly."

Miech expressed concern that flavored weed vapes may open the doorway to increased use among teens with potentially bad consequences down the road. "Should cannabis use become more popular among youth, then a greater number will end up with an addiction that can impair their social and academic life. Many people may not realize that more adolescents meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder than for alcohol use disorder, with 5% affected by cannabis, compared to 3% for alcohol.

The FDA has recently made some suggestions to really crack down on this issue and the education of our youth is key. Educating teens is so important because youth under the age of 25 are undergoing critical brain growth, and they are particularly susceptible to becoming addicted. THC has been associated scientifically with so many adverse behavioral issues.

PARENTS - continue talking with your children and teens about the potential harms of marijuana use in any form.

To read more about Trends in U.S. Adolescent Use of Vaping and Flavored Solutions for Marijuana Consumption 2021-2024, visit:

https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(25)00295-2/fulltext  

IAA is Looking for Prevention Volunteers & Talented Performers

 

InnerAct Alliance organizes one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state of Florida each fall. The Annual Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, features a FREE Kids Fun Run for students in grades K-8 along with a Family Fun Run and World Tour vendor area to support prevention of substance abuse and bullying. The Red Ribbon Run brings together 10,000 run participants, volunteers, local business partners, and spectators to encourage individuals and families to achieve healthy lifestyle goals. 

The success of the Red Ribbon Run depends on th efforts of over 300 volunteers each year. We welcome volunteers of all ages to lend a helping hand on Saturday morning, October 25, 2025, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland, Florida. High school students may earn community service hours. College students, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to volunteer. Free breakfast, t-shirt, and snacks are provided.

Volunteer link to sign up: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0545A4AB2FA2FD0-58503052-redribbon#/

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 culture and traditions during this year's Red Ribbon Run festivities. Those interested may contact Angie Ellison, IAA executive director, at (863) 802-0777 for details.

Volunteer Year-Round! In addition to assisting at the Red Ribbon Run, volunteers are also needed throughout the year to assist the agency in preparing for substance abuse programs that impact the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, and those in need.

InnerAct Alliance, formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center, is a 501c3 nonprofit agency established in 1985 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 agency, which is celebrating its 40th Ruby Anniversary this year, provides science-based education programs to nearly 15,000 students in 69 schools, along with outreach to over 100,000 citizens via informative presentations, a premier youth leadership program, teen-driven social norms marketing, and family-oriented awareness events each year. 

Contact IAA at (863) 802-0777 or visit the agency website for more information:

www.inneractalliance.org

Alcohol & Teens: What Does Teen Drinking Look Like Today?

 

Teens may be drinking less, but binge drinking and youth-targeted products still make alcohol a major risk for our youth. Our prevention partners at Partnership to End Addiction offer an impactful new resource for parents that can help them talk to their teen about alcohol to protect their health.

From social media influence and peer pressure to how alcohol affects the developing brain, a new 10-minute You Tube video shares facts and data showing what today's underage drinking actually looks like, the real risks of teen alcohol use, and what parents can do to prevent it. Learn why early alcohol exposure is dangerous, how binge drinking impacts teens, and steps that parents can take to encourage effective communication with their children to keep them informed, educated, and most of all, safe.

                                          For more resources and information

https://drugfree.org/alcohol-resource-center/

Week 2 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges Begin Today!

 

Families can support prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events and online Red Ribbon Challenges during October presented by InnerAct Alliance and our Red Ribbon Run title sponsor Publix Super Markets. 

The Red Ribbon Challenge features different health-oriented challenge activities each week for children to complete with family and friends. Sign up on IAA.org at: https://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Red Ribbon Challenge Week 2 (October 6-12) sponsor, Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc. encourages Kindness & Tolerance. We are encouraged to find ways to promote the positives and look beyond differences to appreciate the person. Suggested activities for this week include participating in a kindness circle, finding opportunities to do a random act of kindness, offering a helping hand at home or school, and registering to "Run the World" and participate in the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 25, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

                            Students in grades K-8 register FREE before 10/25/25:

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

Adults pay $5 to run in the Family Fun Run with their kids. 

See you at the Red Ribbon Run on October 25th!

Remember:  Kindness Starts with You!

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