Public Safety Alert - Xylazine Making Deadly Fentanyl Even Deadlier

Officials are sounding a new alert about a combination of illegal drugs being found on our streets right here in Central Florida that is complicating the nation's response to the opioid crisis. Detectives are finding the powerful sedative Xylazine mixed with fentanyl, the potent opioid that is lethal even in small amounts.

Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer used for animal surgeries and is not approved for human use. Users are drawn to the combination of xylazine mixed with fentanyl, called "tranq" on the streets, because it provides a longer-lasting high.

This deadly drug mix of fentanyl laced with xylazine is even more difficult to treat and more deadly because it is a sedative, not an opioid, so Narcan/naloxone DOES NOT reverse the effects. In humans, xylazine can cause difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, severe wounds, severe tissue damage, and death.

Prevalence has grown from about 1% in 2018. Now, roughly 80% of the fentanyl law enforcement seized or bought undercover has been found to contain some form of xylazine. 

Deputies in the Orlando area have just busted a gang of suspected drug dealers operating in Orange County who are facing charges in what's now known as Operation Moscow Mule. 

Slow Your Scroll & Have a Little Fun This Monday!

 

Happy Monday! Sometimes at the start of a busy week, we all may need to remind ourselves to take a minute to enjoy the little things. Well, thanks to our friends @Positively Present, here is a colorful summer-oriented graphic with a reminder to "Slow Your Scroll", take a break, and have some fun!

Ground yourself in the present by searching for some of the following items:

- Something you'd see at the beach

- An object with multiple colors
- Flowers that have white petals

- Something good for a hot day

- Anything you'd find underwater

- Items you could have fun with

- Something related to swimming

- Things you might find outside

- An item you could carry around

- Something you'd eat or drink

- Objects you could sit on or in

- The first animal or insect you see

- Something you could see through

- 10 (or more) different seashells

- Items that offer sun protection

When we slow down to enjoy fun things, we give ourselves a much-needed break to connect with the present moment. Use your 5 senses to play a little game of "I Spy" and Happy Hunting! 🔎

Diversity is Beautiful - Celebrate Our Differences

 Celebrate Our Differences

Honoring Freedom on Juneteenth

 

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration marking the date that the latest enslaved people learned of their freedom in America.

After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, slave owners in many isolated areas kept word from those they had enslaved so they would not flee. Two years later on June 19, 1865, some of the last enslaved people in America finally learned of their freedom when news reached Confederate Galveston, Texas.

Since that day, Juneteenth honors the African Americans who helped to build this nation. It's a reminder of the long fight for freedom and the work we must continue to do to build a better future with liberty and justice for all. 

Celebrating All Dads this Father’s Day – Sunday, June 18, 2023

 

Fathers are the anchors who teach us the true meaning of selflessness, kindness, and unconditional love. Today we celebrate all the incredible fathers who make the world a better place. This also includes the father figures in our lives such as stepfathers, uncles, moms, and grandparents who often fill that role as well.

To my own Dad, Roy, love you 💕 miss you 💚 and thank you for acting like a kid when we were kids, acting like a friend when we needed a friend, and acting like a parent when we needed one. You’ve brought love and laughter into our lives through the years and you’ll forever be our rock, role model, and super-hero for all you’ve done for us! 

InnerAct Alliance wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads in our community who play a vital role in shaping the lives of their children.

Happy Flag Day June 14!

 

Flag Day is a celebration of the American Flag that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag's official adoption - June 14. The flag we know as the "Stars and Stripes" was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777 in the midst of the Revolutionary War.

Records indicate that Betsy Ross made pennants for the Philadelphia Navy during the war and inspired the design of the current flag. Many believe she also sewed the first flag.

Historical Facts 

January 1, 1776 - The first U.S. flag, the "Grand Union" was displayed by George Washington. The unofficial national flag preceded the 13-star, 13-stripe version.

June 14, 1777 - The Stars and Stripes were adopted by the Continental Congress as the Flag of the U.S.

June 14, 1877 - Flag Day was observed nationally for the first time on the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes - and continues today.

June 14, 1937 - Pennsylvania became the first state in the U.S. to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.

July 4, 1960 - The new 50-star flag was flown for the first time - the flag that still flies today.

Why is the American Flag Red, White & Blue?

White - purity and innocence

Red - valor and hardiness

Blue - vigilance, perseverance, justice

June is Pride Month in Support of Equal Justice & Rights

Addiction and alcoholism affect individuals across all lines of age, race, sexual identity, religion, and socio-economic status. An estimated 88,000 deaths each year are related to alcohol use and the LGBTQ+ community is especially vulnerable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies show that gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender individuals are more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Lack of acceptance is one reason that young members of the LGBTQ+ community often battle mental health challenges. They often turn to drugs and alcohol to help lesson emotional stress and fear of rejection from family and friends. Other stressors, such as fear of harassment, discrimination, and violence, further increase the risk for sexual minorities to suffer from mental and behavioral health issues.

June is Pride Month to support equal rights for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and encourage greater acceptance in society at large. Family acceptance can help decrease the risk of suicide, depression, and substance abuse for LGBTQ+ youth. 

Learn more and find resources from Mental Health America at https://mhanational.org/pride