Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition

10/22/2025

✨ Red Ribbon Week is almost here! ✨

All 3rd - 5th grade students in Alachua County are eligible to enter our art contest with a $25 Visa Gift Card prize!! 🎨 Create an art piece to show your commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle for Red Ribbon Week.

Follow the link to learn more and enter:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbIHm7umEPU3hYvFzuCSHcZ_1BGEvcQ_mLq9u3oHIztwYK1Q/viewform?usp=dialog

10/15/2025

🌟 October is Substance Use Prevention Month! 🌟

Did you know that early prevention and education can make a huge difference in a child’s life? Red Ribbon Week (10/23–10/31) is a time to show our commitment to healthy, drug-free communities.

Encourage your kids and community to get involved!

1. 🎨 Fall Youth Challenge: Elementary students, create an art piece celebrating Red Ribbon Week and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle! Submit by 10/31 for a chance to be featured and win fun prizes!
https://forms.gle/Ur4e4r5MXYP4hQZM7

2. Calling all parents! Do you want to prepare for that important discussion about substance use? Visit SAMHSA's "Talk, They Hear You" program to receive tips, practice scenarios, and gain confidence!
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you

10/15/2025

Do you have some creative kids ready for a challenge? For Red Ribbon Week, HPW is hosting an art contest for 3rd - 5th grade students in Alachua County with a $25 Visa Gift Card prize! Any art medium is accepted as long as you address the theme: "my drug free life" and what that means to you.

Visit our contest page to learn more!
https://forms.gle/yhRf8hViSEQnBZu1A

Deadline: Friday, Oct 31st @ 11:59 pm

10/07/2025

The Fall DEA Drug Take Back Day is back!!

The HPW Coalition is hosting two sites in Alachua County: Gainesville (Senior Rec Center) and Alachua (CVS Pharmacy). This event is completely free, safe, and anonymous. Drop off of your old, unused or expired medications to be disposed of by the DEA on Saturday, October 25th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm!

10/05/2025

The 7th Annual 5K Color Run was a success! We're so grateful to all of our community partners, volunteers, and attendees who made our annual fundraiser such an exciting event. For the first time, we had Alberta & Alberta at our event, free HealthStreet screenings, and a Children's Trust sponsored Kids Activity Area!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our mission, without the contributions of the community and volunteers - it just isn't possible.

We look forward to hosting the 5K Color Run again in September, 2026 -- see you there!

09/10/2025

Looking for a fun, family-friendly weekend event this September? Join us on Sunday, September 28th at 8:00 am at Depot Park for a color run (or walk) with a cause!

Bring your family and friends (including the furry ones) to help us fundraise for our non-profit mission of preventing substance use and raising awareness, especially among youth.

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What's Included at the 5K Color Run?

- Take a picture with UF's Albert and Alberta!
- Breakfast is free, there will also be a narcan demonstration hosted by UF Health Florida Recovery Center and an F45 Warm-Up Session
- Visit our Community Fair with local programs, and even receive a free health screening from UF HealthStreet
- Stop by the kid's activity area (ex/ co****le, jenga, chalk, etc) before hitting the track with six color stations!
- Enter to win one of our Raffle Prizes: Dave and Busters gift basket, Texas Roadhouse gift basket, Longhorn Steakhouse gift card, etc.
- And so much more!

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Visit the link below to save your spot today:

https://raceroster.com/events/2025/104880/run-for-your-life-5k

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/22/2025

The 7th Annual Run for Your Life 5K Color Run is getting closer!!
This September, have fun with family and friends while raising awareness about substance misuse and fundraising for our non-profit community mission. Breakfast is included, and there will be a fitness instructor warm-up session, community fair, raffle prizes and more!

Register to save your spot today using the link below, we can't wait to see you there!

https://raceroster.com/events/2025/104880/run-for-your-life-5k

06/20/2025

HPW's Kickball Tournament is next Friday!! Youth in middle school or high school are welcome to attend - there will be snacks, water games, and more!

Visit the link below to sign up:
https://forms.gle/b5x37ZaH93yYpABQ6

06/09/2025

Calling all middle and high school youth in Alachua County! While you're on break, join HPW's Youth Summer Challenge -- get creative for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card.

Write a short story or create an art piece to enter by Tuesday, July 1st. Visit the link below to learn more!

https://forms.gle/i4Tjc3tBqgbr4UkC8

04/23/2025

A little can go a long way when we get together and give together on April 24th for The Amazing Give!

Visit our page and consider donating tomorrow -- Any amount counts!

https://www.theamazinggive.org/organizations/alachua-county-health-promotion-and-wellness-coalition

04/02/2025

The Spring Medication Take Back Day is back!

Join us on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm to dispose of your expired or unwanted medications at three locations in Alachua County. It's free and anonymous, help us spread the word!

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications fro...