Major Drug Seizures & Arrests in Polk County and Central Florida

 

                                    (photo: Ledger Sara-Megan Walsh)

Several area law enforcement agencies gathered today to discuss major arrests and hundreds of pounds of drugs they were able to get off the streets and away from kids. 

In Orlando, a news conference was held to announce that a years' long federal investigation has led to an arrest and confiscation of more than one-hundred pounds of dangerous drugs. FDLE announced that the drug trafficking operation was being run out of homes in two Central Florida neighborhoods. At the news conference, the Office of the U.S. Attorney Middle District of Florida announced the arrest of a 35-year-old man from Orlando who faces charges of possession with intent to distribute a large quantity of drugs. Investigators found 150 lbs. of methamphetamine, the largest ever seized in Orlando, plus several kilograms of other drugs including cocaine, fentanyl, and more than 100,000 pressed pills. Agents also seized several firearms and over $700,000 in drug proceeds.

Here in Polk County, a similar press conference was held this morning to announce the agency's largest-ever seizure of 14 kilograms of fentanyl worth $3.5 million and 4 arrests by the Polk County Sheriff's Office during the investigation of a Mexican drug trafficking organization that had been operating in several states.

Sheriff Grady Judd announced, "Fentanyl is an enormous threat to Americans today. In addition to tens of thousands who are killed by fentanyl-related drug overdoses each year, there is also great damage done to families and communities. I am confident that with the arrests and seizures made during this investigation, many lives have been saved in Polk County and beyond, but more work needs to be done at the southern border to cut-off the supply into the United States."

Florida State Attorney General Ashley Moody also attended today's news briefing and added, "This latest, largest fentanyl bust in Polk County history is enough of this deadly poison to kill 7 million Floridians."

Drug busts like this are crucial to the safety of our community, especially youth, to help fight the opioids crisis. Addiction can happen quickly. Counterfeit pills are man-made in mass quantities in labs and mixed with harmful chemicals, including fentanyl - the deadly synthetic opioid designed to drive addiction with potential to kill. Users have no way of knowing if they are taking the "real thing" or a counterfeit pill because they look exactly the same. One pill containing 2mg. of fentanyl - equal to the size of a few grains of sand - can kill. 💊

Americans Under Age 20 Exposed to Delta-8 THC

 

 

Americans under age 20 made up 56% of 2022 exposures to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found in cannabis sativa plants like marijuana and hemp. While teens comprised 15% of these exposures, children age 12 and under constituted 41%, according to data reported by America's Poison Centers 2022 Annual Report of the National Poison Data System. 

Delta-8 THC (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally-occurring chemical compound called a cannabinoid found in traces in hemp and cannabis (marijuana plants). In some states, you can legally buy products like gummies, vape cartridges, and capsules that contain a concentrated form of this compound. Hemp-derived THC products often look like candy wrapped in child-friendly packaging and sold at convenience stores and gas stations, leading to children accidentally consuming them. 

It produces a fuzzy, euphoric high similar to that from marijuana. Some people use delta-8 products to ease symptoms of stress, depression, or chronic pain even though research does not confirm it's effective. Questions surround its safety and legality. Delta-8 is made in labs with cannabinol (CDB) from hemp plants + chemicals. The FDA does not regulate the chemical process so products are not safety or quality tested. Consuming delta-8 may cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Map of THC-related emergency department visits and hospitalization
Mapping the Delta-8, Delta-9, or Any THC-Related Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations Through News Reports | Get Smart About Drugs

More info
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/children-and-teens-make-majority-delta-8-thc-exposures

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8

Thursday Thoughts: How Can Positive Reinforcement Benefit Children?

 

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to help children learn to behave, build confidence, and increase self-esteem. It can even help motivate them to take on challenges in the future. However, it’s equally important to remember there can be too much of a good thing. 

Parents should praise both big and small accomplishments, but it’s not needed for every little action. Instead, pick and choose moments when kids have worked hard, gone beyond to show kindness, or modeled new positive behaviors.

Here are some suggestions for using positive reinforcement:

*Verbal praise – be specific about what your child did well

*Tangible rewards – provide something your child enjoys like stickers or small treats

*Activity reinforcers – reward kids with a preferred activity like games or computer time

*Praise efforts & accomplishments – to encourage positive behavior

*Privileges – recognition helps motivate children to continue positive behavior

*Schedule reinforcement – a routine can provide opportunities for positive reinforcement

*Reinforce immediately – good behavior is more likely to be repeated if reinforcement is given right away

Easy “proud of you” quotes parents can use: So proud of your hard work! - You deserve this! - You were so sweet to your brother/sister. - I love that you care about the environment. - - Thank you for always being you. - Wow, you’ve gotten so much better at (fill in activity or task) 

It is equally important to acknowledge when mistakes are made. Do this in a positive way so kids can learn from the situation, analyze their mistakes, and look for potential solutions. Simply ask what went right, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time.

Teaching kids to reframe mistakes and find potential solutions shows them that you are their supporter and it’s safe to come to you with their problems - and that's something positive that all good parents want to encourage!

Celebrating Healthy Fun & Positive Social Norms Today!

 

Healthy summertime fun is being celebrated today at the Child Welfare Provider Health Fair presented by Heartland for Children. IAA's prevention specialists, Deanne and Amy, are happy to be participating in this wonderful event at the Bartow Civic Center to share UthMpact Facts and positive social norms highlighting GOOD NEWS that most Polk County students are making healthy choices NOT to use alcohol and marijuana or abuse prescription drugs.🙌

If you're in the Bartow area, stop by from 10am to 2pm to see Deanne and Amy for helpful prevention information and fun giveaways - thanks to Heartland for Children for inviting us to participate!😎

Improving safety, permanency, and well-being for all children
in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.

Alcohol Awareness Month: Teen Tips to Avoid Drinking

 

During the 4th week of Alcohol Awareness Month, we recognize that it can be hard for teens to say no when friends are drinking. Empowering yourself with knowledge showcases strength and individuality and can help you stand your ground against peer pressure. 

Different strategies for refusing alcohol work for different people. Some find it helps to say no without giving an explanation by saying “I’m not into drinking” or “A close relative died from drinking.” Others think offering a reason works better, such as saying it will get you in trouble or you’ve seen negative effects it has on others. It’s not about making excuses, it’s about standing up for yourself and how you feel. Whichever you choose, it helps to plan your responses and be clear and direct – preparing ahead of time can help you handle situations with confidence. Here are some helpful tips:

*Participate in Alcohol-Free Activities – fun activities naturally deter alcohol use. Plan alternate activities with friends that aren’t focused on drinking – see a movie, head out shopping, or go play basketball, mini-golf, or bowling.  Everyone will have a better time than engaging in risky behaviors that tend to occur when teens are under the influence of alcohol.

*Shift the Blame – use your parents or coaches as an excuse for not wanting to face tough consequences, like “I already got in trouble at home, I don’t want to go through that again.” or “I have a game tomorrow, my coach will kill me.” These are valid excuses most kids can relate to in their lives.

*Crack a Joke – humor can be a great way to change the subject and take the attention away from you – and away from drinking.

*Involve Like-Minded Friends – surround yourself with friends who either don’t drink or respect your choice not to. A buddy system can also help when you’re at a gathering where alcohol is present so you can support each other while there and even leave together if you want to.

*Educate & Communicate - talk with parents or trusted adults about drinking and plan strategies to handle tough situations. Understand the risks that go along with underage drinking - it can strengthen your resolve to stay sober. 

*Don't Believe the Hype - you're not alone - most teen are NOT drinking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), teen binge drinking has declined over recent years. Close to home, statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually show that 84% of Polk Teens CHOOSE NOT to Drink Alcohol (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2022, FYSAS).  

*Know Your Goals & Stick to Them - think about what is most important to you. This can help you make decisions that align with your best interests. When you realize YOU are among the majority who do make healthy choices, it can empower you to avoid peer pressure, embrace healthier habits, and refrain from risky behaviors. When you surround yourself with like-minded people, you can help each other continue to make smart choices.

*Remember, your choices are your own – don’t give anyone the power to dictate your actions.

Learn More

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/alcohol.html

Time to Clean Out Your Home Medicine Cabinet

 

Start your spring cleaning with the home medicine cabinet...this Saturday, April 27 is your opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired medication at the Drug Enforcement Administration's Spring Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

Unneeded medications stored in home medicine cabinets can become a public safety issue and wind up in the wrong hands, too often becoming a gateway to addiction. InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, and our law enforcement partners in Polk County invite you to help make our community safer by turning in expired or unwanted Human and Pet Medication💊 at our community's DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10am to 2pm at participating police department locations:

Previous medication collections in Polk since 2010 have resulted in approximately 28,547 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. We urge parents to lock the home medicine cabinet to keep all medication out of reach of children and teens. 

See you on Saturday from 10am to 2pm!👋

Surge in Fentanyl Poisoning Among American Children

 

 

InnerAct Alliance has received new information from our prevention partners at Drug Free America citing a recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) which reports increased exposure of young children to illicit fentanyl in the United States. Over the past 11 years, cases of illicit fentanyl poisonings of children under the age of six have surged by over 10,000 percent, totaling 1,466 recorded cases, according to the NEJM article published on March 6, 2024. In 2023, only five cases were reported to the U.S. poison control centers, whereas last year saw an alarming spike to 539 cases. 

While the overall case numbers are low in the under 6 age group compared to the number of fentanyl poisonings in teens and adults, this surge is disturbing and the impact is substantial. Many of the children experienced severe effects including central nervous system depression (63.2 percent), respiratory depression/arrest (49.6 percent), and received the overdose reversal medication naloxone (62.5 percent). Heartbreakingly, 142 children needed CPR and 51 children died. 

Response to the overdose crisis is mainly focused on adults however given that overdose ranks among the leading causes of death, it is crucial to address risks to young children. Analysis of these cases revealed that 82 percent of these children were exposed to fentanyl at home - the majority (84.4 percent) were toddlers aged two years or younger. 

Given the inherent curiosity of toddlers to explore and ingest objects, it is imperative that parents and caregivers comprehend the deadly nature of drugs today. Tragic stories in the news underscore the urgency of this issue - earlier this month, an 8-year-old Kentucky boy lost his life after treatment at the emergency room for an alleged allergic reaction to strawberries that turned out to actually be a fentanyl overdose traced to his stepfather's involvement in trafficking of fentanyl. 

InnerAct Alliance is committed to keeping our community informed with evidence-based programs to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy choices. Our agency is partnering with the DEA to share their One Pill Can Kill public safety awareness campaign with messaging on local radio, tv, billboards, and social media communicating that the only safe medications are those prescribed by medical professionals and dispensed by licensed pharmacists. You can view a copy of our public safety spot in one of our recent blog posts (see below).

Talking about the dangers of fentanyl and supporting youth not to use illegal drugs is the best prevention. Even if you believe your child would never touch a drug of any kind, talk with them about the dangers of experimentation. Knowledge saves lives!

IAA Public Safety Spot: One Pill Can Kill
https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/2024/04/iaa-public-safety-awareness-ad-fentanyl.html

Resources & Information

The New England Journal of Medicine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2313270)

https://www.dea.gov/onepill/social-media

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/prescriptions-opioids-fake-pills

Know the Truth about Environmental Impact of Drugs

 

On this Earth Day, our partners at the Drug Free America Foundation urge us to learn the truth about the environmental impact of drugs on our planet. This short 1:50 video explains how illicit drug crop cultivation, drug production, trafficking, and drug use all contribute to the degradation of our natural environment by accelerating loss of biodiversity, destroying sensitive natural habitats, and creating pollution. 

More Information

https://www.dfaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Video-Environmental-Impact-of-Drugs.mp4

https://www.dfaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Environmental-Impacts-of-Drugs-One-Pager.pdf

Happy Earth Day – Earth is Life!

 

Today is Earth Day, the annual celebration to raise awareness and advocate for change on issues that impact our home - Planet Earth! The Earth Day initiative began in 1970 and has grown to include events coordinated globally that involve over a billion people in more than 193 countries. The 2024 theme is “Planet vs. Plastics” to raise awareness of the health risks of plastics, with the goal to phase out use of single-use plastics. Thanks to our friends at Positively Present for illustrating wonderful suggestions we can do to love our Home Planet!

InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, support Earth Day and local efforts to keep our community safe year-round. This Saturday, April 27 we will join the DEA and 6 Polk County enforcement agencies to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for citizens to turn in unused expired human and pet medications for safe disposal – this keeps medication from being misused or winding up in lakes and streams harming the water supply and wildlife. 

Unwanted medication may also be taken to one of the Polk County permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, year-round at police department locations:

Auburndale (weekdays 8-5)
Haines City (weekdays 8-5)
Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days)
Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5)
Lakeland (24hrs/7days)
Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5)

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed prevention provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. For info, please call (863) 802-0777 or visit https://www.inneractalliance.org/

Operation Prevention: Counterfeit Drugs Video

 

For an informative overview of the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription medication, please view this short video, “The Fentanyl Crisis – Unmasking Fake Pills”, narrated by a senior research chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

You don’t know what is in fake pills by visually looking at them – it’s hard to tell the difference and that difference can be deadly! 

Knowledge saves lives!

Resources

 https://www.dea.gov/onepill/social-media

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/prescriptions-opioids-fake-pills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEEMUUF0ra0&t=2s&ab_channel=DrugEnforcementAdministration

DEA’s Spring Rx Take Back Day is a Week Away – Next Saturday 4/27

 

Medications stored in home cabinets can become a public safety issue and wind up in the wrong hands, too often becoming a gateway to addiction. InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk and our law enforcement partners throughout Polk County invite you to help make our community safer by turning in your expired or unwanted Human and Pet Medication at our community’s Drug Enforcement Administration Spring Rx Take Back next Saturday, April 27, from 10am-2pm. 

Visit any of (6) participating Polk County police department locations listed below to turn in human and pet meds in liquid or solid form as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices (batteries removed). Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Medication can also be turned in at permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes). 

This event helps educate about the potential for misuse and offers a convenient and responsible means of disposal. Previous medication collections in Polk since 2010 have resulted in approximately 28,547 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. We urge parents to lock your medicine cabinet to keep all medications out of the reach of children.

For more information on our local Prescription Drug Take-Back event, please contact the StandUP Polk coalition at (863) 802-0777.

Annual Prevention Summit Highlights

 

Own the Upside proudly presented the Annual Prevention Summit on April 9, 2024 at the Bartow Civic Center in partnership with InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, and UthMpact Polk. This full-day informational event was attended by 150 community members and included dynamic guest speakers who shared their knowledge in enlightening presentations to provide a realistic view of youth culture, explore current and emerging drug trends, and inform about issues facing our community. 

  

Special thanks to prevention experts Cynthia Tapia-Rodriguez (Broward County Schools) and Luz Angela Ventura (United Way of Broward County Commission on Behavior Health & Drug Prevention) for presenting how Keeping to the Science of the Positive can have a powerful impact on our lives; substance abuse prevention facilitators Dave Closson and Angie Asa-Lovstad for sharing helpful strategies in Timeline to Tomorrow: Uniting for a Safer, Healthier Polk; along with other honored guest speakers Joanna Tides (Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA) informing how we can prepare ourselves, our families, and communities in Current Drug Trends and Drug Prevention Resources; Kadian Parchment (Heartland for Children) updating methods to prevent Human Trafficking; and Alexandra Taylor (Peace River Center) and representatives from Polk County Sheriff's Office and Lakeland Police Dept. overviewing efforts to keep our community safe in Mental Health and Law Enforcement. Our appreciation to Patrick Grady (TNT Enterprises) for his time and talents as event emcee and to Il Forno Restaurant for a delicious lunch.

 

The Summit was enhanced by participation from wonderful community vendors who shared information and fun raffle prizes for attendees: Lakeland Police Dept., Healthy Families, Guardian AD Litem-Circuit 10, United Way of Central Florida Community Wellness, Peace River, Pace Center for Girls, Polk County Sheriff's Office, RSVP Polk, Heartland for Children, and the DEA.

We are grateful to all who came together to help our Polk County community work collaboratively in the war on drugs - hope to see you at the 2025 Annual Prevention Summit! 

Common Sense Tips for Safe Teen Parties

 

Parents, if you plan to host a prom, graduation, birthday, or end of school party for your teen, be sure to plan ways to help them celebrate safely and responsibly especially since they and many of their friends are underage. 

Today's youth may find themselves under pressure to participate in unhealthy behaviors with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Statistics show that the median age at which children begin drinking is age 12 – sometimes even younger (NIDA, 2022). We know that young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4xs more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21. 

Informed Families offers a Safe Homes Smart Parties guide to assist parents in setting firm guidelines for acceptable behaviors during this celebratory time of year. The common sense tips will assist parents in helping guide their teens in ways to celebrate responsibly and ensure that drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes will not be permitted at parties held at their homes and discouraged at parties in the community. 

*Plan in advance – check party plans with your teen and know who the guests will be. Set definite limits to help prevent an “open party” situation.

*Agree to rules ahead of time – no drugs including alcohol and tobacco – no leaving/returning to the party - no gate crashers – decide which rooms in your home are off limits.

*Know your responsibilities – the responsible adult at a teenager’s party must be visible and aware. It is illegal to serve/provide drugs including beer, wine, wine coolers, etc. to anyone under age 21. Criminal as well as monetary damages are at stake for those who furnish alcohol or drugs to a minor.

*Supervision is key to keeping a party safe - if guests arrive acting like they’re under the influence, notify their parents immediately. In addition, anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return. This discourages people from leaving with intent to drink/use drugs elsewhere before returning to the party.

*Welcome calls from other parents to discuss the party arrangements – notify neighbors beforehand that a party is planned and will be supervised. For a large party, notify the police to discuss an agreeable parking plan or consider hiring an off-duty police officer to assist with parking and enforcing rules about alcohol and drugs.

*Plan ahead – have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks and plan activities such as movies, dancing, sports, etc. to keep kids busy and having safe fun.

*Feedback – after the party, talk with your teen to share observations and frustrations.

Safe Homes Smart Parties Resources

Common Sense: Best Thing a Parent Can Serve You Tube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq4TNbgZkzw&ab_channel=InformedFamilies

 Informed Families Website

http://www.informedfamilies.org/campaigns/safe-home-smart-parties

 

Thursday Thoughts: Mixed Messages About Alcohol

 

We see and hear a lot about Alcohol and Underage Drinking. Mixed messages about drinking are everywhere - on TV and social media - in movies and music lyrics - not to mention the hype friends or classmates may tell you. That's why it's important to be informed and Know The Facts for yourself.

Here are some of the common Myths vs. Facts shared by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD):

Resources to Learn More About Underage Drinking

https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/alcohol

https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/

If you or a friend need help, call 

SAMHSA's National Helpline

800-662-HELP

2023-2024 UthMpact Leadership Class XIII Graduation & Scholarship Winners

 

UthMpact proudly hosted a graduation ceremony for high school student leaders who successfully completed the 2023-2024 UthMpact Leadership Class XIII program on April 3, 2024 at the Bartow Civic Center.

 

 

Congratulations to UthMpact Class XIII graduates: Adyson Bowling (Mulberry HS) - Skylar Cartagena (Central Florida Aerospace Academy) - Kylee Conrad (Auburndale HS) - Addison Dhue (Central Florida Aerospace Academy) - Maxim Dorvilien (Lake Wales HS) - Abigail Dowdy (Central Florida Aerospace Academy) - Gael Galvan (Lake Wales HS) - Jada Garnett (Lake Wales HS) - Verslyn Garnett (Lake Wales HS) - Zeke Girard (McKeel Academy of Technology) - Colton Hance (George Jenkins HS) - Kevin Hernandez (Lake Wales HS) - Angelly Hernandez-Martinez (Summerlin Academy) - Hope Hill (Lakeland Christian) - Jordan Holloway (Lakeland HS) - Parker Ingram (McKeel Academy of Technology) - Dhanvitha Lakshmanan (Bartow IB) - Caleb Litwa (Lake Wales HS) - Landon Neubrand (Summerlin Academy) - Gioselin Oropeza (Auburndale HS) - Chase Osler (All Saints Academy) - Maison Sesser (Polk State Collegiate) - Kylie Stamey (Winter Haven HS) - Anabella Venci (Winter Haven HS) - Jacob White (Auburndale HS).

Each year, two seniors who embody the mission and leadership qualities of UthMpact are awarded $500 scholarships. Congratulations to 2024 UthMpact Scholarship recipients Kelsi Davis and Cristina Barrios!

Kelsi Davis, a senior at Central Florida Aerospace Academy, served as co-president of UthMpact Leadership Class XIII. On her scholarship application, Kelsi shared, "UthMpact creates hope and joy in the community that keeps bringing people back to our events and listening to our podcasts. UthMpact is an amazing addition to our community. We provide a way for students of different backgrounds from different schools to come together and learn about each other and their community. It creates many lasting relationships even after the program is over." Along with her duties with UthMpact, Kelsi is a part of Air Force JROTC as well as founder of the Women in STEM club at her school.

Cristina Barrios, a senior at Harrison School for the Arts, served as UthMpact Class XIII's Vice President and co-chari of teh Everyday Healthy Living & Equal People podcast committee. Cristina described her time with UthMpact in her scholarship submission essay stating, "Working in a team is one of the hallmarks of the UthMpact executive board. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to further explore that through our committee. The committees require a lot of involvement: scheduling events, organizing members, and communicating with those around us is key. It would be impossible to manage anything if our team were not cohesive. My time here has shown me that everything falls into place when people work together." In addition to her service with UthMpact, Cristina is part of the Camp Fire Sunshine Board of Directors, the Harrison Symphony Orchestra, and works as a lifeguard at Legoland.

UthMpact is a coalition of teen leaders committed to helping educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to their peers. The Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and key business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills. Participants representing nearly every high school in the county travel monthly to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

The group’s most prominent projects are Project Prom, to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors during prom and graduation time, as well as the UthMpact Facts social norms program, which celebrates the positives in Polk youth culture and shares important facts and informative messages about alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, vaping, bullying, mental health, and distracted driving in area high schools and at community events.

Candidates for the 2024-2025 UthMpact Leadership Class XIV, chosen based on their scholastic and leadership experience, will be announced soon. For information, please contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777, visit www.uthmpact.org, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk. 

Can You Spot the Fake?

InnerAct Alliance is teaming with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prevention partners nationwide for the DEA's One Pill Can Kill campaign to educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medication. Laboratory tests indicate that 7 out of 10 pills seized by DEA agents contain at least 2 mg. of fentanyl - considered a lethal dose.

Can YOU tell the difference between the authentic pills vs. fake pills in these photos?

Bottom Line: You can't trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate. The only safe medications are the ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

Knowledge Saves Lives!

DEA's One Pill Can Kill Public Safety Campaign

https://www.dea.gov/onepill