Happy Holidays!

InnerAct Alliance and our Coalition partners StandUP Polk and UthMpact would like to thank our generous supporters and wish you
 a safe and happy holiday season!

Stocking Stuffers - InnerAct Alliance's Wish List

InnerAct Alliance's Wish List

Dear Friends of IAA,

We wish you the very best holiday season filled with family and food and fun! Speaking of Filled… (see what we did there?), please kindly consider a donation to help fill the stockings of those served by our prevention agency and earn a tax break before 2019 ends. 

Here are some options that would GREATLY assist in fulfilling our mission:

Hard Candy Christmas: Our teachers enjoy giving fun incentives such as bookmarks, stickers, candy, etc. to students enrolled in the Bullying and Drug Prevention courses offered by our agency to encourage and reward them for completing homework assignments with their parents. Unfortunately, there was no money in this year’s tight budget to purchase incentives. Your generous donation of $60/class would help so much (.25 x 10 wks. x 24 kids for 625 classes).

Main Branches: Prevention Education is one of our most pivotal programs. Our agency’s 12 teachers teach prevention strategies to Fourth through Ninth Grade classes throughout Polk County to help students learn to stand firm against risky behaviors. Your generous donation of $777 would help fund materials for a class ($777 x 52 classes - $41,181).

Shining Moments: UthMpact (our youth leadership program) has two great projects, Project Prom & Project HOCO, to collect and gift formal wear to teens. Donations are made free to deserving students in exchange for signing a Prom Promise to keep themselves and their friends safe from risky behaviors on Prom or Homecoming night. You and/or your organization can help by hosting a formal wear drive or making a donation that can be used to purchase formal wear. Especially needed are larger-size dresses and smaller-size men’s wear. Accessories, jewelry, and shoes are also needed. Suggested donation of $50.00 would go a long way to providing a new formal wear outfit for teens in need!

UthMpact Leadership Class IX On The Move!

UthMpact Leadership is unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, business and community partners, that helps teens develop crucial leadership skills. Members of UthMpact Leadership Class IX have been busy in the community this Fall with great experiences during monthly Leadership Days, organizing successful Project Homecoming Shopping Days, and volunteering at the Red Ribbon 15K, 5K & Kids Fun Run.

The November Leadership Day, themed “Education”, began at Family Fundamentals and Explorations V where UthMpact teens explored the Museum and learned about community resources offered for early childhood education. Next, it was on to iMagination Inc. on the campus of Lake Region High School which offers a special marketing, technology, and graphic design curriculum to provide students with job-ready skills to prepare for careers in public relations, advertising, graphic design, event planning, and sales. The academy partners with Polk State College to offer students dual enrollment classes and help them jumpstart their college education.

Education Day continued with a stop at Crystal Lake Community Partnership where student leaders toured the new health clinic and learned about programs offered for the community. The UthMpact group headed to Florida Polytechnic for lunch followed by a campus tour. The final stop of the day was at New Beginnings High School, a school that provides second chances. During the visit, the students heard testimonies from New Beginnings students on how the school and its programs has provided them with support along with the opportunity to earn a High School diploma.

The hardworking teen leaders hosted several successful Project Homecoming Shopping Days on Saturdays during September and October to provide formal wear to teens at the Project Homecoming store in Lakeland Square Mall. During Shopping Days, the UthMpact members experience all aspects of running a successful retail operation, including greeting customers, assisting teens with choosing outfits, coordinating dressing room visits, checking customers out and encouraging everyone to sign a Project Prom/Homecoming Pledge.

InnerAct Alliance & StandUP Polk Host DEA Opioids 101 Training

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition were proud to partner with the DEA and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to host an informative Opioids 101 Training on December 12, 2019 that was attended by over 50 members of the staff, coalition, and community.

Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to hear prevention professionals speak on the topics of "Opioid 101 Heroin & Other Opioids", "How to Talk with Your Kids about Anything”, and “Nuts & Bolts of Organizing and Delivering Presentations” and discuss ways we can work as a community to help fight the Opioid crisis. The event was held at Southside Baptist Church in Lakeland.

Please visit https://www.wakeup-tampabay.com/ and https://drugfree.org/ to learn more. 

Successful Annual Prevention Summit October 14, 2019

Successful Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition, along with our sponsorship partners Publix Super Markets Charities, Florida Department of Health-Polk County, Tobacco Free Florida, and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), were proud to host the 10^th Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on October 14, 2019 at the Heartland Church in Winter Haven to discuss important issues facing our community. Nearly 125 participants attendees enjoyed learning from guest speakers who shared a realistic view of current drug trends, human trafficking, autism awareness, the E-epidemic, youth vaping and juuling, and the importance of internet safety. 

Fall 2019 DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Nets Over 2,000 Pounds of Medication

Fall 2019 DEA Prescription Drug Take Back
Nets Over 2,000 Pounds of Medication

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on October 26, 2019 for residents to turn in expired or unwanted human and pet medication. The DEA also accepted vaping pens and other e-cigarette devices at drop off locations. Kudos to Polk agencies for collecting an estimated 2083.58 pounds of pharmaceuticals that were safely disposed of via incineration. This latest event brings the total for collections held in Polk County to 20,656 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals dating back to 2010. 

Thank You to our 2019 Red Ribbon Sponsors, Runners & Volunteers!

2019 Red Ribbon 15K, 5K & Kids Fun Run Results

2019 Red Ribbon 15K, 5K & Kids Fun Run Results

Kudos to the nearly 7,500 participants, sponsors, spectators, vendors, law enforcement, staff, and volunteers who took part in the 2019 Red Ribbon 15K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance, Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., and event partners MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Florida Dairy Farmers, Rainier Fruit Company, and many other business sponsors, on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

This event culminated one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state to support the prevention of substance abuse and bullying in our community.

Approximately 1,400 Runners ages Kindergarten through 75 years young laced up their running shoes and ran the beautiful Red Ribbon 15K, 5K, or Kids Run courses around the Lake Mirror and Lakeland areas.  

Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results

Kindergarten Girls      

1^st - Audrina McGuire from McKeel Central

2^nd – Baylee Andrews from Magnolia Montessori

3^rd – Kaiden Benton from Highlands Grove

Kindergarten Boys

1^st – Luke Oglialoro from St. Paul Lutheran

2^nd – Ronald Angel Perpilus from Spessard Holland

3^rd – Jefferson Blizzard (school unknown)

First Grade Girls

1^st – Chloe Fong from Lincoln Academy

2^nd – Sadie Henderson from Lakeland Christian

3^rd – Carson Vinzant from Magnolia Montessori

First Grade Boys

1^st – Kamari Mair-Kerr from Philip O’Brien

2^nd – Kacen Bailey from Valleyview

3^rd – Bryce Corn from Lincoln Academy

Second Grade Girls 

1^st – Victoria Bradley from Spessard Holland

2^nd - Alison Knowles from Philip O’Brien

3^rd – Audrey Salvia from Highlands Grove

Second Grade Boys

1^st – Jackson Helm from Cleveland Court

2^nd – Jovani Castillo from Churchwell

3^rd – Carter Shapiro from St. Paul Lutheran

Third Grade Girls

1^st - Aubrey Pickering from Highlands Grove

2^nd – Madison Johnson of Lakeland

3^rd – Lillian Bradshaw from Lincoln Academy

Third Grade Boys

1^st - Kayanni Young from Highlands Grove

2^nd – Cristiano Pagano from St. Paul Lutheran

3^rd – Tyler Ruland from Highlands Grove

Fourth Grade Girls

1^st – Kayden Dennis from Floral Avenue

2^nd – Abdreana Rosario from Philip O’Brien

3^rd – Samantha Buffington from Valleyview

Fourth Grade Boys

1^st – Ayden Flores from R. Bruce Wagner

2^nd – Jaace Moore from Carlton Palmore

3^rd – Landon Farmer from Highlands Grove

Fifth Grade Girls

1^st – Isabella Burke from St. Paul Lutheran

2^nd – Haley Cookson from Highlands Grove

3^rd – Sara Corrigan from Magnolia Montessori

Fifth Grade Boys

1^st – Rowlyn Boase from Philip O’Brien

2^nd – Julio O. Garcia from Academy Prep Lakeland

 3^rd – Lenox Viserto from Polk City Elementary

Middle School Girls

1^st – Taylor Pickering from Lakeland Highlands

2^nd – Sofia Burke from St. Paul Lutheran

3^rd – Ava Holmes from Lawton Chiles

Middle School Boys

1^st – Caden Baker South McKeel Academy

2^nd – Aiden Tucker from St. Paul Lutheran

3^rd – Edwin Alomia from McKeel Academy

TOP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WITH HIGHEST PARTICIPATION - Philip O’Brien Elementary

TOP MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH HIGHEST PARTICIPATION – South McKeel Academy

Red Ribbon Adult Run Results

Top 5 Overall in 15K

MEN                                                                                                     

Overall                                                                                                                                

Justin Hoagland of Winter Haven              Time: 57:21        

Male Masters

Mark Tulowiecki of Lakeland                       Time: 59:12

Male Grand Masters
Mark Hulbert of Lakeland                             Time: 1:04:11

WOMEN

Overall

Mary Ann Protz of St. Petersburg              Time: 1:06:48

Female Masters

Kate Ryals of Lakeland                                    Time: 1:16:24

Female Grand Masters

Petra Beemer of Lakeland, FL                      Time: 1:26:25

Top 5 Overall in 5K

MEN

Overall

Elijah Oquendo of Lakeland                         Time: 20:29

Male Masters

Chris Baker of Lakeland                                 Time: 22:29

Male Grand Masters     
Paul White of Lakeland                                  Time: 25:01

WOMEN

Overall

Jaade McBride of Lakeland                           Time: 23:42

Female Masters

Yuko Ferguson                                                  Time: 28:07

Female Grand Masters

Veronica Hooppaw                                          Time: 25:01

Fall DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Nets Over 2,083 lbs. of Medication

Saturday, October 26th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

This Saturday, October 26^th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
DEA Will Accept Vaping Devices & Cartridges

October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse. StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to participate in this initiative, sponsored by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and join The Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs and other expired or unused Human and Pet medications in liquid and solid form, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

The DEA has announced that it will now accept vaping pens and other e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed) at all drop off locations. This announcement is significant as news reports continue to draw attention to the association between serious lung injury and use of e-cigarette and vaping products. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as of October 15, 2019, 1,479 cases of vaping-related lung injury have been reported in 49 states. The CDC also reported 33 deaths confirmed in 24 states.

Drug Take-Back Day will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the following drop-off locations in Polk County:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of any kind of medication in the toilet.  

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 18,573 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

City of Lakeland Proclaims October 2019 as National Red Ribbon Month

City of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz Proclaims October 2019 as
National Red Ribbon Month

Each month, Mayor Bill Mutz and the Lakeland City Commission present a variety of proclamations to help spread awareness for local, state and national causes.

InnerAct Alliance is proud to be a recipient of the City of Lakeland Proclamation of National Red Ribbon Month for October 2019. In the photo above, Angie Ellison, Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance, (pictured third from left) receives the Proclamation from Mayor Mutz (pictured center) presented to the agency at the October 7, 2019 Commission Meeting. 

Substance abuse is the most common risk factor impacting youth and society. The prevention education programs offered by InnerAct Alliance have proven to be effective tools in reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors. The agency has provided prevention education to youth and adults in the Polk, Hardee and Highlands County communities since 1985 and also serves as the fiscal agent for the StandUP Polk (adult-based) and UthMpact (youth-based) Coalitions for a Drug-Free Polk. 

The 34th Annual Red Ribbon Campaign is highlighted by the Red Ribbon 15K, 5K, and popular Kids Fun Run, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc., on Saturday, November 9, 2019, creating a community event where adults compete in the 15K or 5K and elementary and middle school students participate in the Kids Fun Run around Lake Mirror and Lakeland’s downtown to support prevention education, anti-bullying, and discourage risky behaviors.

InnerAct Alliance to Receive Five Star Performance Recognition by the Central FL Behavioral Health Network

InnerAct Alliance to Receive Five Star Performance
Recognition by the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc.

InnerAct Alliance is proud to be recognized for outstanding Five Star Performance by the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., along with our prevention partners at the Polk County Drug Court and Tri-County Human Services, Inc.

InnerAct Alliance will be honored as a 2019 Gold Star Category 2 recipient at a special 5 Star Awards Luncheon to be held on November 6^th at The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. Polk County Drug Court will receive recognition in Gold Star Category 3; while Tri-County Human Services will take home an award in Gold Star Category 5.

The criteria that organizations must meet to be considered for the 5 Star award circle involves achievement of 95% or above, and categories are designated by the total number of outcome measures that each must satisfy as part of their contract, according to Linda McKinnon, CFBHN President & CEO of CFBHN.  

“Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network for this honor and congratulations to the other deserving organizations chosen for Five Star Performance Recognition along with us,” said Angie Ellison, Executive Director of InnerAct Alliance.

For more information, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Register Now for the Red Ribbon 15K, 5K and Kids Fun Run
Saturday, November 9, 2019

Our community’s Red Ribbon tradition in support of substance abuse and bullying prevention continues on Saturday, November 9, 2019 with InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Run events presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, Inc. and Kids Run Sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

The Red Ribbon Run is a family-friendly event with three races to accommodate all ages: the new 15K added this year (9.3 miles), a 5K (3.1 miles), plus a Kids’ Fun Run (1K-just over a half-mile). Kids’ Run registration is FREE to students in grades K-8 who are pre-registered before November 1^st ($5 fee after 11/1/19) and includes a commemorative Run t-shirt and free refreshments. 

Online Registration takes place on the event website at: www.RedRibbonRun.com

Register Now for the Own The Upside Prevention Summit - October 14, 2019

Visit Our Agency's Websites

UthMpact Coordinates 2019 Project Hoco Shopping Days on October 12 & 26

UthMpact is proud to present the 5^th season of Project Homecoming to provide formal wear to teens in need. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project Hoco Pledge to celebrate drug-free and receive dresses and suits for FREE!

Student Shopping Days for Project Hoco will take place on Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Project Prom store in Lakeland Square, 3800 U.S. Highway 98N, in Lakeland (next to Hollister).

Community members are also asked to support this effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and other accessories. Formal wear donations may be dropped off on the shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

UthMpact’s goal is promote a fun and safe Homecoming night. For more information, please contact Samantha Barwig, UthMpact Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777. 

2019-2020 UthMpact Leadership Class IX at Work!

Students from Polk County high schools who have been nominated to participate in the 2019-2020 UthMpact Leadership Class IX have hit the ground running with travels throughout the county each month to experience the inner workings of local business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement and meet with influential leaders to suggest proactive solutions to challenges faced in our community.

The first Leadership Day in September was postponed with the pending arrival of Hurricane Dorian, but the group made up for it with a fun and informative Health & Wellness Leadership Day outing on Wednesday, October 2^nd in which students met with a dietitian and visited Lighthouse for the Blind. Other stops included Bartow Regional Medical Center, where students had an opportunity to tour the Cath Lab, OR, and ER departments, and Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine. Decompressing at Kelly Rec rounded out a busy day with a chance for the teens to try some Yoga moves, learn Line Dancing, and power through strength training – even Ms. Sam and Mrs. Cindy joined in the fun at Kelly Rec!

Our hardworking teens have also been busy hosting Project Homecoming Shopping Days on Saturdays to provide formal wear to teens in need at the Project Homecoming store in Lakeland Square Mall.

UthMpact Leadership is unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills.

InnerAct Alliance Stands with the Drug Free America Foundation to Encourage the Ban of THC Products along with Flavored E-Cigarettes

As the U.S. government continues to investigate hundreds of recent cases of severe lung illnesses that may be linked to vaping, Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, has announced that the Food and Drug Administration will develop guidelines to remove from the market all e-cigarette flavors except tobacco.

InnerAct Alliance and its coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, stand in agreement with the government’s proposal to ban thousands of flavors used in e-cigarettes. We join with the Drug Free America Foundation of St. Petersburg, FL - a drug prevention and policy organization committed to developing strategies to prevent drug use and promote sustained recovery – to urge the administration to take the ban one step further to prohibit sale of all THC vaping products. As Amy Ronshausen, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation, explains, “The dangers of marijuana and other THC products to our young people are so significant that the Surgeon General recently issued a health advisory concerning the physical and mental health risks associated with marijuana. The logical next step is to remove THC products, along with flavored e-cigarettes, from the marketplace.”

E-cigarettes are sold in nearly 7,800 flavors including apple pie, cotton candy, gummy bear, and watermelon – flavors known to lure younger users. Once these younger users get hooked on nicotine, there’s a good chance that they will be in for a lifelong habit.

In our home state, statistics from the recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) show that the percentage of Florida youth who currently use e-cigarettes has risen from 9.6 in 2016 to 13.7 in 2018. While the state’s rate of youth e-cig use surpasses that of our county, Polk’s rate still increased from 10.2% (2016) to 12.5% (2018), which translates to approximately 1 in 8 Polk middle and high school students who used e-cigs just last year. 

Many teens began vaping under the guise that it may not be as harmful as smoking traditional cigarettes. However, serious risks are associated with use of any product with nicotine that can lead to addition and long-term health consequences. Conclusive evidence has shown that drinking or injecting e-liquids can be fatal, that exposure to skin or eyes can cause seizures and other serious problems, and that e-cigarette devices can explode causing burns as well as other injuries. 

Surgeon General Warning: “This Ain’t Your Mother’s Marijuana!”

In an August 2019 article by The Associated Press, Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, and Surgeon General, Jerome Adams, called today’s marijuana “a dangerous drug” and issued a nation-wide warning against its use by adolescents and pregnant women. Marijuana has grown into a $10-billion industry and federal officials fear that the trend toward legalization for medicinal and recreational use in more states may make it easier and more enticing for teenagers to try marijuana, already a commonly used drug among youth, along with alcohol and e-cigarettes.

Scientific research shows that marijuana use by teens carries a risk of affecting brain development, which continues into the 20s, and frequent adolescent use is associated with changes in parts of the brain that are involved with attention, memory, decision-making, and motivation.

Surgeon General Adams advised, “This ain’t your mother’s marijuana” citing that the drug has become considerably stronger with a concentration of THC, the chemical found in marijuana that leads to psychological effects, that may be up to three times more potent than that found in cultivated plants in previous years.

Another serious concern surrounding the change in attitudes about marijuana pertains to its rising use among expectant mothers. According to a 2017 study, about 7% of pregnant women reported using marijuana to help manage morning sickness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise women not to use marijuana during pregnancy and to discontinue use if they find out they are pregnant since its use may also pose a serious risk to the developing brain of the human fetus.

To read more, visit this link to the AP News article: https://www.apnews.com/3bfbeecf9c654c76b6037ffb4ec20188

Talking to Kids About Alcohol & Other Drugs

With a new school year comes new risks that expose kids to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Children tend to be more accepting of alcohol and marijuana use as they transition from elementary to middle school and middle to high school.

Research suggests that one of the most important factors in healthy child development is a strong, open relationship with a parent. This is a perfect time to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs before they are exposed to them – as early as 9 years old – and keep the conversation going throughout the school year.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers these and other helpful tips on their website at samhas.gov:

Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse - Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 ay their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink. Send a clear and strong message that you disapprove of underage drinking and use and misuse of other drugs. 

Show you care about your child’s health, wellness, and success – Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink or use other drugs – because you want them to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re open and show concern.

Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs – You want your child to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drugs with reliable information about its dangers. You don’t want your child to learn from unreliable sources. Establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

Show you’re paying attention and you’ll discourage risky behaviors – Show you’re aware of what your child is up to. Young people are more likely to drink or use other drugs if they think no one will notice. Do this subtly, without prying.

Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use – Even if you don’t think you child wants to drink or try other drugs, peer pressure is a powerful thing. Having a plan to avoid alcohol and drug use can help children make better choices. Talk with your child about what they would do if faced with a decision like this, such as texting a code to a family member or practicing how they will say “no thanks.”

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY Saturday, October 26, 2019

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

Saturday, October 26, 2019

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication. Studies show that medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse.

Our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will include the following locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications, as well as over the counter medications, vitamins, and other medication in liquid and solid form, for 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
Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.  

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 18,573 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration.

StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information on the local Prescription Drug Take-Back event, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.