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

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, but 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 not 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:

Claude A. Hearn, D.M.D., P.A., Winter Haven

Robert W. Sutton, D.M.D., P.A., Lakeland

Jean Berlonge, M.D., Auburndale 

Lakeland Family Pharmacy, W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland

Lakeland Family Pharmacy, Innovation Dr., Lakeland 

CVS, SR 540 W, Winter Haven

Lea D. Wheeler, D.M.D., Lakeland 

F. George Mehanna, M.D., Lakeland 

Agnini Family Dental, 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 information on local support of the E-FORCSE initiative, please contact InnerAct Alliance’s CommunityResource Manager, Michelle Shiver, at (863) 802-0777, or by email: michelle.shiver@inneractalliance.org

Join the Red Ribbon Hero Nation as a Virtual Runner!

Here’s Another Exciting Way to Support
Polk County’s Only Red Ribbon Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run

We have added a Red Ribbon Virtual Race!

RUNNERS – The Red Ribbon Virtual Race is a great new way to track your Half Marathon and 5K training! 

Simply log on to: www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation to create your profile between now and November 7. The site will explain everything you need to know and most of all it’s FUN! The cost is just $50 and participants receive a Hero Nation t-shirt. Connect your Garmin, Runkeeper, or Fitbit to automate workouts, or use manual entry on the My Progress page.

NON-RUNNERS – Even if you’re not a Runner, you can join the Red Ribbon Hero Nation as a Virtual Runner in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention!

Here’s how…log onto www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation to create your profile and register to virtually complete the Red Ribbon Half Marathon by running, walking, cycling, or even crawling the 13.1 distance between now and November 7. The site will explain everything you need to know and most of all it’s FUN! The Red Ribbon Virtual Race is just $50 and participants receive a Hero Nation t-shirt.

We hope to add YOU to Red Ribbon Hero Nation in support of bullying and substance abuse prevention! For more information, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777, or visit www.RedRibbonHalf.com, and www.makeyeshappen.com/heronation.

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run - Saturday, November 7, 2015

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run
Saturday morning, November 7, 2015

Polk County’s Only Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Fun Run, presented by Title Sponsor, Publix Super Markets, Inc. is back and better than ever! Join us on Saturday morning, November 7, 2015 around picturesque Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s beautiful downtown and Lake to Lake area for a fun Family Weekend that continues a 24-year tradition of InnerAct Alliance presenting one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state!

Activities include three races that will accommodate anyone in the family – parents can compete in the 13.1 mile Half Marathon or the 3.1 mile 5K, and elementary and middle school students can participate in the Kids Fun Run. All K-5 students receive complimentary registration and a commemorative run t-shirt, along with a FREE story book and refreshments!

In addition to the Red Ribbon activities already in place, we are extremely excited about a new partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council that will incorporate the tradition of the Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade. The annual parade will pass in front of the entire crowd assembled at the Lake Mirror Promenade after the run events and conclude our Be Your Own Hero Day!  Visit the Red Ribbon Run official race site at www.RedRibbonHalf.com today to sign up!

Focus on the Positive! - OWN THE UPSIDE

Focus on the Positive! - OWN THE UPSIDE

DO YOU KNOW THAT A MAJORITY OF TEENS IN POLK COUNTY
DO NOT USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL? 

YOUR TEENS MAY NOT EITHER!

If you have read a newspaper, listened to the radio, or watched TV during June, you have probably seen or heard Own The Upside ads highlighting the GOOD NEWS that most Polk County teens do not engage in drug use or risky behaviors! Own the Upside is a positive community marketing campaign presented by the StandUP Polk, Drug Free Hardee, and Drug Free Highlands Coalition partners to address concerns of parents regarding teen risky behavior. Funding for the June Own The Upside ad campaign was provided by state funding through DCF and CFBHN.

Unfortunately, we have become accustomed to believing only the discouraging news or negatives in our culture, the media, and popular music lyrics.  Often, we forget there are some encouraging positives to celebrate the UP side of Polk! Statistics show that our local prevention programs are effective in shaping attitudes about and user rates of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  Let’s focus on rewarding positive behaviors that will continue to inspire our local youth to make smart and healthy decisions!  Here are some positive facts to know and share with teens and others in our community.

93% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Tobacco.

88% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Marijuana.

80% of Teens in Polk County (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Alcohol.

Please do your part to "Own the Upside". Be the best role model possible and support your kids in making smart choices. Teach them it is okay to be who they are, present them with healthy activities, and encourage them to hang out with friends that they trust.

The Own the Upside speakers' bureau is available to speak to civic groups, church groups, employees, Parent/Teacher Associations, and other organizations. Please contact Coalition Resource Manager, Michelle Shiver, at (863) 802-0777 to schedule a presentation.