Annual StandUP Polk and UthMpact Coalition Retreat

  

Annual StandUP Polk and UthMpact Coalition Retreat 

The Annual StandUP Polk and UthMpact Coalition Retreat was held on January 22, 2015. The Coalition welcomed over 60 partners and community members for an informative update on current efforts, including drug, domestic violence, bullying, teen pregnancy, and crime prevention in Polk County. 

In the morning session, UthMpact representatives, James Shiver and Emi Davis shared an informative presentation about UthMpact and Positive Social Norms.  A snapshot of prevention efforts and their effect on Polk County was addressed by Hal Johnson of Hal Johnson Consulting.  Detective Thompson of the Lakeland Police Department provided attendees with a glimpse into gang activity in Lakeland, while other local enforcement agencies shared what they are experiencing. 

Coalition community partners, along with doctors, and pharmacies participating in E-Force/DPMP, were recognized for their support during a delicious lunch provided compliments of the Detroit Tigers.  Sheriff Grady Judd addressed attendees about the importance of the Coalition to the community and encouraged members to continue education to the public about the dangers of marijuana.  Florida is the ONLY state to defeat medical marijuana on the ballot, due to efforts by the Florida Sheriffs Don’t Let Florida Go to Pot campaign and coalitions to educate voters about the issue.  Sheriff Judd also shared that the Florida Sheriffs Association will work with legislators to develop a bill that will have much tighter restrictions than the one proposed in Amendment 2 defeated in November.

The members then broke into smaller groups. Topics for group discussion included: implementation of the Prevention Epidemiology Network (PEN); plans for UthMpact in the community; a School Resource Officer and School Administration Training at the 6^th Annual Own the Upside Drug Summit in October; the importance of recognizing local doctors and pharmacies utilizing E-Force/PDMP; and the possibly of hosting our own drug take-back days.  The retreat ended with committee reports from each of the work groups.

Stay informed by visiting the StandUP Polk Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StandUPPolk.  StandUP Polk is a group of concerned citizens, key community and business leaders working as the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk to take a stand against drugs and bring about positive changes for Polk County. You are invited to take an active part in monthly planning sessions held on the last Thursday of each month at 10:00 am. Please call StandUP Polk Coordinator, Juli Davis, at (863) 802-0777 for information and meeting location.