StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, InnerAct Alliance, and The Office of National Drug Control Policy commend Congress for passing the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, S. 3187, which requires 26 synthetic chemicals, including those commonly found in products marketed as "K2" and "Spice" to be considered Schedule I substances. Schedule I substances are those with a high potential for abuse; have no medical use in treatment in the United States; and lack an accepted safety for use of the drug.
"I applaud Congress for coming together on this issue that is affecting so many of our young people. Research shows that parents are the most powerful force in the lives of young people,” said ONDCP Director Kerlikowske. "Synthetic drugs like 'bath salts,' Spice, and K2 are a serious threat to health and safety. I urge families to take time today to learn what these drugs are and discuss the harms that all drugs pose to young people in America."
As part of ongoing efforts to coordinate the Federal response to the drug threat, in February the ONDCP joined The Partnership at Drugfree.org to introduce a kit for parents and adult influencers housing the tools they need to talk with their teens about this emerging threat and recognize the warning signs of use. The information kit includes a slide-cast with facts about synthetic drugs, a corresponding podcast and video, and a printable guide so parents can present details on what to look for, what the street names are and what the effects of these substances are to others in their community. The kit is available on The Partnership at Drugfree.org website and is part of the "Parents360" community education program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
StandUP Polk is the adult-based component of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, a pro-active group committed to changing attitudes and beliefs about underage drinking, reducing social and retail access to alcohol, and advocating against abuse of marijuana and prescription drugs. Members of StandUP Polk include representatives from community and faith-based organizations, local law enforcement, medical profession, businesses, schools, parents and youth from all over Polk County. The Coalition operates through grant funding provided by the Drug Free Community Grant.
The community is welcome to attend regular meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00 A.M. at the Lakeland Flying Tigers Clubhouse at Tigertown in Lakeland, FL. For additional information, please contact Lisa A. Jones (lisa.jones@inneractalliance.org), call (863) 802-0777, or follow StandUP Polk Coalition on Facebook at : www.facebook.com/StandUPPolk or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StandUPPolk
Thursday, July 5, 2012
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