InnerAct Alliance Wishes You A Safe & Happy Holiday Season!

InnerAct Alliance Wishes You
A Safe & Happy Holiday Season! 

InnerAct Alliance and our partners in the Coalition for a Drug Free Polk, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, would like to thank all of our generous supporters and wish you a safe and happy holiday season! This busy time of year it’s more important than ever to reconnect as a family. Instead of overpriced presents, give the gift of time to your children. Remember that YOU are still the number one influence in your children’s lives. Play games or plan a fun family outing for everyone to enjoy together. Bake cookies or go for a ride in the car to view the neighborhood decorations and light displays. When you attend parties, let your kids know that even though adults may drink alcohol, under no circumstances are they allowed to drink. If your child is going to a holiday party, call ahead to make sure that the event will be alcohol and drug free. Keep the season merry and bright by giving your children the gift of time, positive influence, and communication. It is guaranteed to be the gift most remembered long after all of the brightly colored gifts and packages are opened and the holidays are a distant past!

Family InnerActions Prevention’s First Steps

 

Family InnerActions Prevention’s First Steps

InnerAct Alliance proudly offers a program called Family InnerActions for families with infants and toddlers to come together in a friendly, supportive environment to enjoy adult conversation, learn and bond with their youngsters, and watch them play and grow.  The group meets at tba Church, located at 1815 County Road 540A in Lakeland, and shares information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Building Blocks Program.

Play time for 18 month to 3 year olds is held on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30 am. The newborn to 18 months age group meets on Friday mornings from 10-11:30 am. Admission is FREE and pre-registration is not required. Participants need only to bring a blanket and toys to play with. If you have more than one child and the oldest is 2 or older, please join us on Tuesday mornings.

The group planned a fun Christmas Craft for the kids at the December 16th event. The kid made "foot reindeer" and everyone had a great time!

Some of our Friday group participants took a play time break to pose for quick photo!

Quotes from our wonderful Family InnerActions participants:

"My favorite part of Family InnerActions is talking to
and learning from the other moms (parents)." - Jenn

"We enjoy talking with other moms (parents) and sharing advice. 
Kaitlyn loves a safe, fun environment to crawl and play." - Dena

Community Assistance Needed to Continue Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off Days

Community Assistance Needed to Continue Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off Days 

For the past several years, StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies have partnered with The Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days in the spring and fall for citizens to dispose of expired unwanted prescription drugs. Prescription medication collections held since 2010 in Polk County have resulted in 6,483 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration.

Unfortunately, the DEA has recently announced that they have discontinued the National Take-Back Days. Because this issue is so vital in helping to keep Polk County safe, StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies have been meeting to brainstorm ways to continue this important effort to get powerful medications out of residents’ medicine cabinets and provide an environmentally safe means of disposal.

Your help is needed to assist us in raising much-needed funding for the incineration of medications collected at the permanent drop boxes located in the lobbies of 5 local law enforcement agencies in our county. 

In the past, the cost for incineration of collected medications was provided by DEA on take-back days.  Without the resources of the DEA now, Polk County does not have the option or funds for transportation or incineration.  Please contact Juli Davis, StandUP Polk Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777 or by email at: juli.davis@inneractalliance.org if you have a contact who may be interested in funding this important community project!

PROJECT PROM GALA & FASHION SHOW - FEBRUARY 13, 2015

SAVE THE DATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015
Location: The Magnolia Building in Lakeland
 Tickets:  $10 pre-order; $15 at the door

UthMpact is excited to announce its new Gala & Fashion Show, a night for Polk County Teens to come together to donate prom attire and enjoy a night of fashion shows and great music. 

To purchase tickets or donate formal wear, please call (863) 802-0777 or contact Emily Plank, UthMpact Coalition Coordinator, by email at emily.plank@inneractalliance.org

Visit our new website at:  http://www.projectprompolk.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ProjectPromPolk

Donations of Formal Wear and Accessories Needed for 2015 Project Prom

2015 PROJECT PROM

Our UthMpact student leaders started an effort called Project Prom in 2013 to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students who might not otherwise be able to afford the expenses of Prom Night. UthMpact's goal is to promote a fun and safe prom night and all students will be asked to sign a Prom Pledge to choose wisely and commit to refrain from alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviors.

In the first year of this worthwhile program, over 100 prom dresses were given away to young ladies. In 2014, UthMpact continued the momentum and expanded Project Prom to include donation of gently used men’s suits and formal wear for teenage boys.

Now coming into the 2015 prom season, UthMpact is excited to announce its new Gala & Fashion Show, a night for Polk County Teens to come together to donate prom attire and enjoy a night of fashion shows and great music. 

               

We are asking for assistance from our local community to make this project a success.  Please donate gently used prom dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and formal wear to Project Prom. Donations may be dropped off at the InnerAct Alliance office, located at 621 South Florida Avenue, in Lakeland.  Please call (863) 802-077 for more information.

2014-2015 UthMpact Leadership Class IV Activities

UthMpact Leadership Class IV Education Day
October 2014

Students from Polk County high schools have been nominated by school principals and community members to participate in the UthMpact Leadership Class IV for 2014-2015. This unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business and community partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. 

UthMpact Leaders participated in Education Leadership Day in October and enjoyed an inside look at some of the finest educational institutions in our area. The day started off at the Polk County School Board in Bartow, before stops at two beautiful campuses at Southeastern College and Florida Southern College. At both schools, the teens enjoyed campus tours. The final Education Leadership Day stop was for a tour of the newest campus in our county, Florida Polytechnic. It was an exciting and informative day for our UthMpact leaders!

Thank You to Our 2014 Red Ribbon Campaign Sponsors

Thank You to Our
2014 Red Ribbon Campaign Sponsors

InnerAct Alliance would like to recognize and thank our generous sponsorship partners for their support and contributions to make Polk County’s 2^nd Annual Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Run a success!

2014 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results

2014 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results

Polk County, FL – The 2014 Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run took place on Saturday, November 8^th, continuing a 23-year tradition of InnerAct Alliance presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state.

Over 1,400 students in grade K-8 pre-registered to participate in the Kids Fun Run, and received free registration, a commemorative Run t-shirt, a complimentary children’s book and refreshments. The event was held in conjunction with Polk County’s 2^nd Annual Red Ribbon Half Marathon, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and a newly-added 5K run on a beautiful race course around picturesque Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland.

Congratulations to the following Kids Run Winners, as well as to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school winners of trophies for the largest percentage of participation students, based on school census number.

KINDERGARTEN
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Lauren Limback, Polk City                                    

2^nd - Haley Cookson, Highlands Grove                    
3^rd - Kayden Dennis, Highways to Tomorrow                      

Boys
1^st – Stryker Holmes, Carlton Palmore    
2^nd – Jack Straw, South McKeel
3^rd – Clayton Knowles, Philip O’Brien

FIRST GRADE

Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Lauren Jordan, Lincoln                                                          
2^nd - Lilly Herrin, Valleyview                                                        
3^rd - Juliet Youngblood, Magnolia Montessori                     

Boys
1^st - Brayden Abdon, Lincoln
2^nd - Ethan Roberts, Highlands Grove
3^rd - Charles Brown, Jr., Philip O’Brien

                                                                                                      
SECOND GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Chelsi Williams, South McKeel                                          
2^nd - Avery Smith, Lincoln                                                             
3^rd - Maya McDowell, Scott Lake                                              

Boys
1^st - Jarett Waters, Philip O’Brien
2^nd - Caden Baker, South McKeel
3^rd - DeOndrea Smith, Philip O’Brien

THIRD GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Susie Davis, South McKeel                                  
2^nd - Malayla Minor, Scott Lake                                  

3^rd - Scarlet Kendrick, Highlands Grove                  

Boys
1^st - Jackson Winter, Lincoln

2^nd – Quinn Dejarnette, Blake Academy

3^rd – Connor Triplette, Medulla

FOURTH GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Te’Shantis Myrick, Philip O’Brien                      

2^nd - Ryla Bryant, Wendall Watson                                            

3^rd - Asia Alomia, South McKeel                                

Boys
1^st - Rue Hestand, V, South McKeel

2^nd – Mark Johnson, Lincoln

3^rd – Bryce Zimmerman, Carlton Palmore

FIFTH GRADE
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st - Daniella Guerrero, South McKeel                    
2^nd - Caroline Gardner, Highlands Grove                               
3^rd - Jessica Pierce, Philip O’Brien                                             

Boys
1^st - Terrance Bluitt, Carlton Palmore

2^nd – Miles Jeffares, Lincoln

3^rd – Eliab Agnor, Philip O’Brien

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Girls                                                                                                      
1^st  - Elizabeth Solomon, McKeel                                               
2^nd - Anya Bogdanova, Lawton Chiles                                     
3^rd - Chandler Barrett, South McKeel                      

Boys

1^st – Josean Nieves, Sleepy Hill Middle

2^nd – Brandon Ball, Southwest Middle

3^rd - Pedro Hernandez, Kathleen Middle

PARTICIPATION TROPHIES

Top 3 Elementary Schools                                                           

Philip O’Brien Elementary                                                           
Carlton Palmore Elementary
Highlands Grove Elementary

Top Middle School
Lawton Chiles Middle

For additional details and event info, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. 

InnerAct Alliance and StandUP Polk Recognize Supporters of Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program E-FORCSE

Polk County, FL – Prescription drug abuse is harmful to our community, however the encouraging news is that Florida has made many positive strides since 2010 to overcome the stigma of being known as the “Pill Mill Capital”. 

The Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, known as E-FORCSE^® (Electronic-Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substance Evaluation Program), was created by the 2009 Florida Legislature to encourage safer prescribing of controlled substances and to reduce drug abuse and diversion within the state. E-FORCSE is currently utilized by over 600 Polk County individuals and practices to help doctors and pharmacists view the prescription history of patients to determine whether misuse may be taking place.

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition for a Drug Free Community are helping to further promote this important initiative to prevent prescription drug misuse in our county by distributing copies of the E-FORCSE "Prescriber and Pharmacist Registration Quick Guide" to those in the healthcare community who are not already enrolled in the program and encouraging them to sign up.

We would like to recognize those who have recently agreed to utilize E-FORCSE in their practice:

Edge Pharmacy
Avantica Gondi , MBBS, M.D.
North Lakeland Pain & Trauma
Victoria Rabe-Tagala, M.D.
Alicia Saunders, M.D., Wellmed
Edward J. Williams, D.M.D., P.A.
Winn-Dixie Pharmacy (Ariana Street, Lakeland)

According to a 2014 Nova Southeastern University Study of Florida Physicians, "a majority of participants believe that the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a useful tool for monitoring patients' controlled substance histories."  Locally, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has credited this program with assisting local law enforcement by reducing access to individuals who may possibly be doctor shopping.

For more information on the E-FORCSE and local support of this initiative, please contact InnerAct Alliance's Community Resource Manager, Michelle Shiver, at (863) 802-0777, or by email at: michelle.shiver@inneractalliance.org  

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run

Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County, FL – Polk County’s 2^nd Annual Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, November 8, 2014 is less than a month away!

Festivities for Red Ribbon Month kicked off on Friday, October 3, 2014 at the Red Ribbon Celebration held at LEGOLAND Florida’s interactive family theme park. About 2,000 people attended the fun family evening for just a $5.00 donation per ticket and enjoyed 6 areas of LEGOLAND, as well as a Vendor Carnival.

The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners MidFlorida Credit Union and Badcock Home Furniture & More, is a Family Weekend where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the Kids Fun Run. The scenic run course will take place along picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area.

Register on the event website at www.RedRibbonHalf.com! Registration is $100 for the Half Marathon and $35 for the 5K.  Start time on November 8^th for the Half Marathon is 7:00 a.m., and the 5K begins at 7:15 a.m. Check-in will begin at 6:00 a.m.

Registration for the Kids Fun Run for students in grades K-8 is FREE and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt for pre-registered participants, along with free refreshments! Registration check-in will take place at the Lake Mirror Auditorium, starting at 7:00 a.m. The Fun Run will start at 8:00 a.m. at Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., in Lakeland, and follow a route that will loop around Lake Mirror and end back in the Promenade area. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place runners in gender categories, as well as to the top 3 elementary schools and top middle school with the largest percentage of participating students, based on school census number.

For additional details and event info, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s executive director, Angie Ellison, at (863) 802-0777. Info is also available at: www.redribbonhalf.com, on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries

Red Ribbon Kickoff Event at LEGOLAND Florida - Friday, October 3, 2014

Red Ribbon Kickoff Event at LEGOLAND Florida
Friday, October 3, 2014 – 6:30 to 9:30 PM

Polk County, FL – Are you looking for something fun to do with your family this Friday? Come out to Red Ribbon Celebration Kick-Off Event this Friday evening, October 3, 2014, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at LEGOLAND Florida’s interactive theme park for families with children ages 2-12.

Families interested in attending must pre-order tickets in advance for a $5.00 donation per ticket to cover parking and admission to 6 areas of LEGOLAND. Simply visit the event web site at www.RedRibbonHalf.com  and click on the LEGOLAND Store Tab to order. Once your order is complete, you will receive a confirmation of the purchase sent via email that can be used to pick up tickets at the LEGOLAND Will Call window in front of the park on the evening of October 3^rd. Tickets may be used on October 3, 2014 only. Admission is limited to the first 5,000 people.

This is a special event to kickoff the popular Red Ribbon Campaign during the month of October leading up to Polk County’s 2^nd Annual Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, November 8, 2014. The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners MidFlorida Credit Union and Badcock Home Furniture & More, is a Family Weekend where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or 5K, and children can participate in the free Kids Fun Run. The scenic run course will take place along picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area.

For details, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s executive director, Angie Ellison at (863) 802-0777. Info is also available at the official event website at: www.redribbonhalf.com, on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries

Red Ribbon Wellness Challenge! Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Red Ribbon Wellness Challenge!
Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Lake Mirror Promenade

Polk County, FL – Polk County’s 2^nd Annual Half Marathon is coming up on Saturday, November 8^th and two of our biggest community supporters, Bob Cleghorn of OMS Insurance Group, and Sal Campisi, Jr. of Regal Automotive Group, are challenging local businesses, civic organizations, and community groups to form teams for the Red Ribbon Wellness Challenge!

The Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners MidFlorida Credit Union and Badcock Home Furniture & More, is a family weekend where parents can compete in the Half Marathon or the new 5K, and children can participate in the FREE Kids Run. The scenic course runs along picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and lake-to-lake area.

Red Ribbon Wellness Challenge teams can compete for a Traveling Trophy for the Most Participation! The Half Marathon, which begins at 7 AM, is specifically for runners. Walkers and runners may participate in the 5K at 7:15 AM. Any Team Captain who recruits 10 or more members will receive their registration FREE!

Online registration can be completed on the event website at www.RedRibbonHalf.com. The fee for Red Ribbon Half Marathon Runners is $85 for those who register by October 12^th and increases to $100 on October 13^th. Fee for the 5K is $30 for runners/walkers who sign up by October 12^th, and increases to $35 on October 13^th.  A LIVERUNWELL coupon can be used for $10 OFF REGISTRATION for a limited time!

Contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 to set up your team today! Any questions may be directed to Angie Ellison or Emily Plank. Info is also available on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/RedRibbonHalf and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries

“Own The Upside” Educational Presentation Now Available!

“Own The Upside” Educational Presentation Now Available!

Polk County, FL – Underage abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other substances are problems facing every community.  However, the good news is that knowing the facts and acting responsibly can help prevent young people from becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

Own The Upside, a campaign that was formed by the Coalition Partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties, is proud to celebrate the true positives in teens today! We believe in encouraging them to make smart choices, be better role models, and engage in healthy distractions, thus owning the “upside” rather than the “downside” about today’s youth.

Did you know this about Polk Students in Grades 6-12?

75% of teens DO NOT use alcohol
88% of teens DO NOT use marijuana
93% of teens DO NOT use tobacco

To support our efforts to reduce substance abuse and celebrate the “upside”, please consider inviting a representative from Own the Upside to share a free educational presentation with your group, organization, school PTA, or business lunch and learn. Community members can play a pivotal part in spreading the word that most of Polk County does not use or abuse drugs, and that is the community standard we want to promote and grow.

To learn more about how to “Own the Upside”, please call Michelle Shiver, Community Resource Manager, at (863) 802-0777 or e-mail michelle.shiver@inneractalliance.org.     

2014 Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run – Saturday, November 8th

Fall Purge Your Pills Drop Off on Saturday, September 27, 2014 - 10AM - 2PM

PURGE YOUR PILLS Rx DROP OFF
Saturday, September 27, 2014

Polk County, FL – StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for the Fall National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 27, 2014, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

Previous prescription medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 6,483 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration.  

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family, friends, and the home medicine cabinet.

Our community’s Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off will include 6 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications for safe and proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.  

Drop-off locations from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm are:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL

Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL

Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL

Lake Wales Police Department - 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL

Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL

Winter Haven Police Department – 125 North Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop site locations at the Police Department locations in Auburndale, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven. Medications may also be safely disposed of at home by dissolving them in water, mixing with coffee grounds or cat litter, pouring into a zip lock bag, and disposing in the trash. To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dump medications into the toilet.

For more information on the local Pill Drop event, please contact Juli Davis, StandUP Polk Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.