Happy Easter Blessings

 

Happy Easter Blessings

 to all who celebrate

 from the

 Board & Staff at InnerAct Alliance

Shop for Prom Wear Today 11am-4pm at Lakeland Square Mall

 

Beautiful prom dresses👗and suits🤵are available for your choosing today from 11am to 4pm at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall!

Polk high school students can show their school ID and sign a pledge to celebrate prom and graduation events substance-free to receive their prom formal wear and accessories at no cost.

Over 100 high school students have already made smart choices...come shop today and next Saturday, April 6. To reach the Project Prom Store, please use the entrance to the right of Dillard's.

Springtime Self-Care

 

Thanks to our friends at Positively Present for sharing these adorable bunnies🐰with sweet self-care reminders to keep looking up, make time for rest, live in the moment, leave your comfort zone, and pay attention to beauty during this spring time of hope, love and life!🌷

FADAA Trend Alert: Naloxone Administration in US & Florida

 

The Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association (FADAA) has posted a substance use trend alert for Naloxone administration across the U.S. and Florida.

Naloxone is a medication approved by the FDA to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. It works by bonding to opioid receptors to reverse or block effects of other opioids.

Studies show that naloxone distribution programs among emergency personnel and anyone in a position to save the life of someone at risk of overdose can prevent 21% of opioid overdose deaths. All 50 states have passed legislation to improve naloxone access. In most states, anyone can receive naloxone from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Nationwide studies show that when states passed naloxone access laws, opioid overdose deaths decreased by 14%. Across the U.S., 402,044 naloxone administrations were reported in 2021 - 400,167 in 2022 - and 381,799 in 2023. 

Closer to home in Florida, data from the Dept. of Health's Substance Use dashboard indicate a significant increase in naloxone administration from 2015 to 2022. In 2015, Florida EMS responded to 28,732 suspected overdoses and naloxone was administered to 20,327 individuals. In 2022, Florida EMS responded to 105,490 suspected overdoses and naloxone was administered to 51,752 individuals.

Alert Recommendation - Evidence-based strategies for prevention opioid overdoses should include naloxone distribution programs to educate and train individuals who are most likely to encounter an overdose. First responders, people who use drugs, and their friends and family should be equipped with naloxone kits to potentially save lives. Access and availability to naloxone among the public saves lives.

Get Naloxone Now 
https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/#home

I Save FL
https://isavefl.com/

SAMHSA
 https://store.samhsa.gov/product/overdose-prevention-response-toolkit/pep23-03-00-001

Thursday Thoughts: A Seed of a Dream Can Grow a Forest of Possibility

 

You can't help but smile looking at this picture that depicts the innocence and wonder of childhood...wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone dreamed as a child does?

Parenting these days is quite a challenge, especially finding ways to keep our children healthy and drug-free. In addition to communicating about the risks of harmful substances, one of the best ways to keep kids off drugs is to encourage them to dream big and set goals that will keep them focused on a bright and promising future. Having dreams and goals in life teaches us to focus attention on the things that are most important. It helps create a vision of how we would like our life to be.

Children are our seeds for the future - let's nurture them to blossom to their full potential. When young people have dreams, along with family encouragement to achieve them, they can learn to be responsible, persevere through obstacles, and develop effective strategies to achieve their goals in life - all vital skills to help them avoid falling into the trap of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and addiction.

Final 2 Project Prom Shopping Days: March 30 & April 6

 

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are proudly hosting our 12th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students. Our goal is to educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation. 

The final two Student Shopping Days are coming up on Saturdays: March 30 and April 6 from 11am to 4pm at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy 98N in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillard's). Students with a Polk School ID can sign a pledge and receive their dresses and suits for FREE!

Congratulations to 60+ Polk County students who have already pledged to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and took home special dresses and suits on the first Project Prom shopping day on March 2nd. Over 5,500 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

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 (8:30 am-4:30 pm weekdays). 

For information, visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.

Know the Warning Signs of Bullying & Talk with Your Kids

 

Talking about bullying can be difficult for everyone, but it is important to start a conversations with your child before bullying happens or if you are concerned that it may be happening.👪

Be aware of warning signs that may indicate that someone is being affected by bullying - either being bullied or bullying others. Parents, teachers, and caregivers should look for changes in the child, however not all children will exhibit warning signs. 

Signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance use. Statistics show that children who are bullied are more likely to experience mental health issues and decreased academic achievement.  

Many times, children who are bullied or are bullying others may not know how to ask for help so it's crucial for adults to take the lead in talking to their children and take steps to intervene with any bullying their child may be experiencing at school, at home, or in the community. 

Helpful Resource

stopbullying.gov/prevention/how-to-prevent-bullying

Drug Sources May Be Right in Your Teens’ Hands

 

Statistics show that social media platforms have caused a devastating effect in the mental well-being of our children. Yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that would ban children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts in our state. Florida lawmakers added that social media notifications and auto-play videos are some of the most addictive social media features for teens. The measure is bill is slated to take effect in early 2025 barring any lawsuits.

Whether or not you agree with this measure, there is no doubt that smartphones allow immediate access to our kids each day right in their own homes. Reality is that drug dealers use social media platforms as a way to expand reach and create new markets to target new clients. Deadly fake pills, laced with fentanyl and methamphetamine, can be sold online to unsuspecting teens, young adults, and older Americans who think they are buying the real thing. 

Parents and caregivers must be aware of the very real dangers associated with smartphone use, guide and monitor their children’s social media, and know how popular social media apps work: 

*Have frequent conversations with teens about how selling, buying, or using substances offered or sold online is illegal and potentially dangerous 

*Apps that are encrypted (Signal, WhatsApp, Line, Viber, Telegram) or apps where messages disappear after a short time (SnapChat, Instagram vanish mode) can be a way for young people to buy and sell pills. 

*Teens know how to get around app rules by using emojis and ever-changing slang. Here are a few common emoji codes for drugs that you should be aware of…

Learn more on the
Drug Enforcement Administration’s informative site

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/20220208-DEA_Social%20Media%20Drug%20Trafficking%20Threat%20Overview.pdf

Own The Upside Annual Prevention Summit – April 9, 2024

 

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are proud to present the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Bartow Civic Center, 2250 S. Floral Ave., in Bartow. 

The Summit will offer timely overviews of important prevention issues facing our community. Attendees will gain up-to-date information on various topics including current drug trends, today’s youth culture, marijuana’s legacy, mental health, law enforcement, the science of the positive, and human trafficking presented by influential prevention experts from around the state of Florida. Interesting panel discussions and vendor exhibits will complement event activities. 

Admission is Free for those who register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-820398503007?aff=oddtdtcreator. 

Light breakfast and lunch will be served. Polk County School employees and law enforcement officers may earn up to 6.5 CEU’s by participating.   

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties, Florida and was founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory. Science shows us that the discouraging news we often hear in media and society may tend to make us forget that there are encouraging positives to celebrate what we refer to as the “Upside.” Data collected annually via the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. 

Own The Upside believes in impacting children’s lives now by supporting and investing in evidence-based prevention programs that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use, and empowering youth to make positive healthy choices.

Please join us on April 9th to be better informed!

Preventing Substance Use With Knowledge

 

Last week, InnerAct Alliance partnered with the National Institute for Drug Abuse, educators, students, health professionals, and community supporters to share fast facts about some of the most-commonly used drugs and learn more about the science behind substance use during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. 

More and more, we realize how vital it is for adolescents to learn the truth about the physical harms and negative effects that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) use may have on their developing brains and bodies. This knowledge, coupled with skills training/development and open communication, can help boost resiliency and increase ability for teens to envision a future filled with hope and positive expectations – all essential protective factors to resist temptation and peer pressure.

We are committed to doing all we can to educate and support teens so they will be empowered to make more informed decisions, feel confident to safeguard future goals, and not take risks to jeopardize their ability to reach them.

Read More from the Too Good for Drugs Blog
https://toogoodprograms.org/blogs/blog/national-drug-and-alcohol-facts-week-2024

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – 5 Fast Facts About VAPING

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (ATOD) use. Today's focus is on Vaping. 

*Vaping is NOT just water vapor – it’s highly addictive + may contain cancer-causing chemicals

*Flavoring used in vaping can contain Nicotine, the addictive compound found in tobacco

*Nicotine in any form is highly addictive – some vape pods have as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes

*Vapes may contain harmful heavy metal components and fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

 *Inhaling heated vaping solutions into the lungs can cause EVALI, a serious illness that can damage the lungs

💡Learn More💡

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: 5 Fast Facts About TOBACCO

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (ATOD) use. Today's focus is on Tobacco.

*Nicotine is a drug found naturally in tobacco – as addictive as heroin/cocaine - it takes just 8 seconds to reach your brain

 *Smoking & tobacco products including e-cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, other nicotine products cause disease and may worsen other medical conditions

 *Tobacco Kills - each hour more than 50 Americans die from smoking. That's about 440,000 people a year

 *More than 7,000 chemicals are found in tobacco smoke and second hand smoke including arsenic, lead, and tar

 *Most E-cigarettes also contain nicotine. E-cigs are not a safer choice – it is not just inhaling water vapor

💡Learn More💡

  https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/index.htm

 

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – 5 Fast Facts About MARIJUANA

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (ATOD) use. Today's focus is on Marijuana.

*Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance by US college students – second most used substance after alcohol

*Marijuana contains > than 100 substances called cannabinoids – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)

*CBD is a component of marijuana for medicinal use - THC is the psychoactive part that causes the high

*Marijuana strength has increased significantly – greater potency = greater risk of addiction and health issues

*Marijuana Edibles take longer for effects to be noticed – overuse may lead to acute marijuana toxicity

💡Learn More💡

  https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – 5 Fast Facts About ALCOHOL

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (ATOD) use. Today's focus is on Alcohol. 

*Alcohol is the most widely used and abused drug – the primary drug with which teens experiment

*Alcohol’s effects depend on factors: gender, height, weight, body size, muscle:fat ratio, medical condition

*Beer and wine are just as harmful as hard liquor – drinks with lower alcohol content are not less harmful

*Binge drinking is defined as drinking heavily over a short period of time - approximately 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more drinks for females in about 2 hours

 *Alcohol depresses the Central Nervous System – effects brain by impairing judgment, lowering inhibitions, increasing aggressive behavior

💡Learn More💡

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

NIAAA’s website for Teens
 https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/

 
Virtual Reality (VR) Alcohol & Your Brain
 https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-and-your-brain-virtual-reality-experience-0

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – 5 Fast Facts About FENTANYL

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is dedicated to educating parents and teens about the harmful effects of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs (ATOD) use. Today's focus is on Fentanyl.

*Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s up to 50x stronger than heroin – 100x stronger than morphine

*Fentanyl mimics the body’s natural endorphins that block pain receptors to the brain

*Lethal dose of fentanyl is about 2mg - compared to about 30mg of heroin

*2 Types: pharmaceutical fentanyl (prescribed by doctors for severe pain) & illicitly manufactured fentanyl (not made by scientists, no quality control)

*Fentanyl can amplify potency + greatly increase overdose risk when mixed in powder or liquid with other drugs

*More than 150 people die every day from poisoning and overdoses related to synthetic opioids

 💡Learn More 💡

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl

Join Us to Stay Informed: Own The Upside Prevention Summit - April 9

Join Us to Stay Informed!

           

Register Free at

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-820398503007?aff=oddtdtcreator 

 

WELCOME SPRING! 🌷

 

Happy Springtime

from InnerAct Alliance 🌷

 special thanks to our friends

at Positively Present for the inspiring graphic!

Support National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week March 18-24, 2024

 

InnerAct Alliance is joining with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) this week - March 18 to March 24, 2024 - to promote community conversations about drug and alcohol use prevention and support teens in making more informed decisions about their health.

According to the latest results from the Monitoring the Future survey, the percentage of adolescents reporting use of illicit substances in 2023 continued to hold steady below the pre-pandemic levels reported in 2020, with 10.9% of 8th graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders reporting any illicit drug use in the past year. While it is reassuring that 2023 data continues to document stable or declining trends, today's drugs have become more dangerous with illicit pills and other substances containing deadly fentanyl, the potent synthetic drug that continues to contaminate the supply of counterfeit pills made to resemble prescription medications. Fentanyl is now the #1 killer of those age 18-45 in the U.S. and it is everywhere, including right here in our community. 

Knowing the facts about the dangers of underage use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications and how they may affect health and well-being can empower youth to make informed decisions. 

To help parents start a conversation about drugs and health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has compiled compelling answers to some of the top questions heard most often from teens, such as "What is the worst drug?" When it comes to drugs and alcohol, there is no "worst" just as there isn't a "best" drug - all drugs have the potential to produce negative health effects or lead to a dangerous situation in the short or long term.

Whether a drug causes a serious health issue, like a life-threatening overdose, can depend on a number of factors - how much a person uses, how they consume it, and other factors. Drugs like fentanyl are so potent that a life-threatening overdose can occur the first time a person uses them. Since it is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (Molly), fentanyl may be unknowingly ingested at unknown quantities and lead to overdose. 

The goal of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is to inform and prevent youth from starting to use drugs. Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they may feel confident in making more informed decisions after considering all the facts. 

Parents can learn important drug facts and how to answer common questions teens may have by contacting InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 and visiting https://www.inneractalliance.org and the NIDA website https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/conversation-starters

Mental Health Awareness: Dangers of Self-Diagnosis

Teens often seek validation and understanding to find their identity and sense of belonging - many turn to their phones for connection. Social media can be a guide for awareness of mental health issues, but it can also bring about unnecessary anxiety and stress.

Increasingly, mental health professionals have observed children and teens "self-diagnosing" their own mental disorders after watching influencers discuss them on TikTok and other social media platforms. Certain exposure can be harmful if teens identify with a diagnosis they saw or heard online then take it on as their own without seeking professional help to talk, be properly diagnosed, and learn coping strategies for what may be going on under the surface.

Advice for Parents - as your teens naturally seek independence and begin spending more time in their rooms and on their phones, it is important to also create opportunities to communicate 1:1 with your kids and encourage them to share their feelings. Carefully monitor social media use and educate them on the complexity of mental health. Explain the importance of talking to a professional for a proper diagnosis. 

Our goal is to support healthy physical, mental, and emotional growth and support for our kids!

Wishing You Luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

 

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day and that's today - Sunday, March 17! 

The holiday originally began as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and spreading of Christianity to Ireland. Today, it is celebrated as a day of revelry with food, drink, music and all things Irish. 

If you’re looking to cook up something special for St. Patrick’s Day – from corned beef and cabbage and hearty Irish stew to tasty Irish soda bread, here are some recipe ideas: https://www.almanac.com/best-st-patricks-day-recipes

Remember to wear green and on this day, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more and you come into luck like never before!🍀  

Polk Students Can Shop for Free Prom Attire – Saturday, March 16

 

Project Prom’s next Student Shopping Day will take place tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, from 11am to 4pm, at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall (use entrance to the right of Dillards). Two more shopping days will follow on March 30 and April 6.

Congrats to over 60 Polk County students who pledged to stay drug and alcohol free on the night of prom and took home their special dresses and suits on the first shopping day on March 2!

Students with a Polk ID may sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and substance-free and receive their prom formal wear at no cost – see you tomorrow!

Prevention Works and YOU Play an Important Role!

 

Addiction and substance abuse are widespread issues in our society. They affect our families and communities. They impact our lives often in dramatic ways. Good News is that addiction and substance abuse are both preventable and treatable! 

InnerAct Alliance believes in celebrating the positives – sometimes we forget there are many encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the “upside”. Data collected annually in the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors.

Attitudes about substance use are shaped well before adulthood. Our professional board members and staff are committed to making a lasting difference in our community and impacting children's lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that help to reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change attitudes about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and empower youth to make healthy choices.

Parents play an important role - talk to your children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all the facts.

Please support prevention by visiting the InnerAct Alliance website and following this Blog and our social media platforms.

www.inneractalliance.org

Thursday Thoughts: What Exactly Is Pi Day?

 

You don't have to love math to like Pi Day, celebrated today March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (the Greek letter "π") is a math symbol that represents a constant. It is the distance around a perfect circle - or the circumference of a circle to its diameter - which is approximately 3.14159.

Math enthusiasts like to celebrate this day by reciting the infinite digits of Pi, talking about math, and eating pie. In addition to Pi Day, March 14th is also Albert Einstein's birthday.

Most of us can probably relate best to eating pie instead of calculating it 😉

The More You Know: Stress Overload at Root of Teen Substance Misuse

 

When we look deeper at reasons why youth may resort to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use, often stress and social pressures are at the root. School demands, negative thoughts/feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload, which can lead to alcohol and substance use. 

As parents and caregivers, we can play a positive role in helping teens learn to manage stress in healthier ways:

*Monitor how stress may affect your child’s health, behavior, thoughts, or feelings
*Listen carefully to them and watch for signs of overload
*Learn and model positive stress management skills
*Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities
*Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep routines
*Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxing activities
*Break large tasks down into smaller, attainable goals
*Show how to challenge negative thoughts with neutral or positive thoughts
*Take frequent breaks to listen to relaxing music, draw, read, or journal

Teens can practice “relaxation responses” like deep breathing and meditation to lower heart rate and/or confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings – these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.    

Read more:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/the-link-between-teen-anxiety-and-substance-abuse

How's The Time Change Treating You So Far?

 

Just checking in to see how the time change is treating you so far?⏰😴 This past weekend, Americans in most states followed the traditional "spring forward" tradition of moving our clocks ahead 1 hour for Daylight Savings Time. While losing one hour may seem harmless, it can throw off our bodies and schedules for a few days!

Here are some Pros & Cons of DST:

PROS

*safety - more daylight makes driving safer, lowers risk of car accidents/pedestrians struck by vehicles

*good for economy - later daylight gives more time for shopping after work, increasing retail sales, gas use

*using less electricity = lower power bills

*active lifestyles - more time for outdoor activities after work and school
*fewer crimes - more light, easier to be seen and identified

CONS
*increased health issues & sleepiness - disruption in the body's circadian rhythms

*confused time schedules - not only people, but also pets, businesses, industries 

*decreased productivity in the workplace

No matter how you feel about the time change, let's make the best of it and enjoy the longer hours of daylight after work and school. Embrace the opportunity to let go of excuses that may be holding us back!

Marijuana: Why THC Potency Matters

 

Marijuana is a product of the cannabis plant. Its main active chemical is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes mind-altering effects or the "high". According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cannabis (marijuana) is one of the most used drugs in the U.S. Its widespread use among young people is especially concerning because marijuana can effect how teen brains develop, cause school, family, and relationship problems, along with many physical and mental health issues. 

Today's marijuana is a much stronger drug that delivers higher THC levels with a greater chance of harm. It is almost 4x stronger to an average of 15% in some products. 

Marijuana extracts in edibles can contain an average of 50% and up to 90% THC. Effects from consuming edibles like candy, baked goods, infused oils, and drinks may not be readily noticeable so users may consume more to feel effects faster.

More potent THC in cannabis increases the likelihood of experiencing mental health and other adverse health effects that may include:

*difficulty thinking and problem-solving
*increased anxiety and mood changes
*impaired body movement
*impaired memory

*altered senses, hallucinations, delusions
*rising calls to poison control or ER visits
*suicidal thoughts
*long-term effects may result in impaired brain development

Know the Facts about Marijuana and Its Potency:

https://www.mjfactcheck.org/potency

Annual Own the Upside Prevention Summit - April 9

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition are proud to present the Annual Own the Upside Prevention Summit on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Bartow Civic Center, 2250 South Floral Avenue, in Bartow, to discuss issues facing our community. 

The Summit provides an opportunity for School Resource Officers, Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Prevention Specialists to gain up-to-date information with a realistic view of youth culture, emerging drug trends, social media and its connection to risky behaviors, and other topical issues. 

Registration is FREE and a light breakfast and lunch will be served. Polk school employees and law enforcement officers may earn up to 6.5 CEU's. 

Those interested in attending may register at: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-820398503007?aff=oddtdtcreator