Opioid Awareness Health Fair Thursday, March 31, 2022

 

OPIOID AWARENESS HEALTH FAIR

March 31, 2022

InnerAct Alliance is pleased to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County to present an Opioid Awareness Health Fair on Thursday, March 31st from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the George Jenkins Memorial Boys & Girls Club, 2500 Havendale Blvd., in Winter Haven. Admission is free.

Guest Speaker, Paul E. Maxwell, Jr., a retired DEA Drug Intelligence Officer with Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), will share important facts and information that parents need to know about Opioids in an enlightening presentation at 6:00 pm. The event also features health and wellness screenings, mental health resources, bounce house and children's activities, along with food and fun for the whole family. 

For information, please contact Ashley Ray at the Boys & Girls Club of Polk County at aray@bgcpolk.org or visit www.bgcpolk.org. 

National Drug and Alcohol Fact Week: March 21 to March 27, 2022

 

InnerAct Alliance is joining with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to celebrate National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week from March 21 to March 27, 2022 to draw attention to science-based facts about drugs and alcohol, promote positive mental health, and encourage youth to adopt healthy behaviors for mind and body.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) sets aside a Chat Day each year during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week to answer the top 10 questions teens frequently ask about drugs and health. A question we hear frequently is "Why do people take drugs when they know they are bad?" According to NIDA researchers, there is no easy answer because people take drugs for different reasons, such as to deal with life's challenges, to escape from reality, to relieve pain, or to try to fit in. Some people may be aware of the negative effects of drugs, but they still struggle to stop using them because repeated drug use can lead to changes in the brain that make it hard to stop. When this occurs, the person is experiencing a medical problem known as substance use disorder. Addiction is a severe form of substance use disorder. 

All addictive drugs cause the brain to release the chemical dopamine, which is released after pleasurable and satisfying activities. Dopamine causes the brain to remember rewards, like food and sex. This reinforces the desire to seek them out again. Repeatedly using a drug floods the brain with more dopamine, which changes the way the brain responds to that drug. With repeated use, a greater quantity of drug is needed to produce the same pleasurable effect. When the drug is not available, people may experience the negative symptoms of withdrawal, which may include stress, anxiety, depression, and sometimes physical symptoms such as sweating, vomiting, and pain. Repeated cycles of drug use and withdrawal can disrupt brain function to the extent that people may have difficulty experiencing pleasure in their daily lives. At this point, people may continue drug use to avoid the lows caused by withdrawal rather than seek the highs they once experienced. Fortunately, treatment can help people with a substance abuse disorder counteract disruptive effects and lead to healthier lives. The sooner a person receives treatment, the better chances that they will recover.

For more drug facts and answers to common questions that teens may have about drugs and health, visit the NIDA website at https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/

Final Two Project Prom Shopping Days: March 26 & April 9

 

Final Two Project Prom Shopping Days
Saturdays March 26 and April 9

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to host our 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about the risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time.

The final two Student Shopping Days are coming up on Saturdays: March 26 and April 9 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98N. in Lakeland (in the old Sears wing). Capacity in the store may be limited due to COVID precautions.

Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol- and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! Nearly 120 Project Prom Pledges have been collected so far this Spring adding to the over 5,000 prom ensembles provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013. 

Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates, at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays), or at select Polk County Public High Schools. 

UthMpact's goal is to promote a fun and safe Prom Night. For more information, please visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com, or contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777.

Social & Economic Cost of Eating Disorders in Florida

There has been an alarming surge in cases of eating disorders among children and teens in Florida. One person dies every 52 minutes from an eating disorder!

Some real facts relating to the dangers of eating disorders include:

* Hair loss

* Tooth loss
* Abuse of laxatives may result in intestinal damage
* Excessive vomiting may lead to ruptured esophagus issues or cancer
* Damages every organ system in the body
* Linked to heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure
* Multiple mental illnesses and High suicide rates
* Hip breakage may occur from osteoporosis
* Fertility problems are linked to eating disorders

Thanks to our prevention partners at Polk Eating Disorders Awareness for sharing this recent study from Harvard University which highlights the impact of eating disorders in Florida. 

FADAA Substance Abuse Trend Alert: Gabapentin Use in the U.S. and Florida

 

FADAA Substance Abuse Trend Alert:
Gabapentin Use in the U.S. & Florida

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It can be taken as a tablet, capsule, or solution. Some side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Although gabapentin is FDA approved, its misuse during the rise of the opioid epidemic has raised safety conditions and warnings about serious breathing difficulties related to the use of gabapentin in tandem with other drugs that suppress the central nervous system.

Gabapentin Use in the U.S.

The number of prescriptions for gabapentin has risen and grown in popularity as an alternative medication to opioids. Between 2009-2016, the U.S. prescribing rate for gabapentin went from 13.3 to 27.1 prescriptions per 1,000 population. By 2019, it was the tenth most prescribed drug in the U.S. with 47 million prescriptions. Crime lab reports currently identify gabapentin among the top 25 drug cases nationally with 2,566 cases in 2020.

Gabapentin Use in Florida

In 2009, the prescribing rate for gabapentin in Florida was just over 10 prescriptions for 1,000 population, while in 2016 it was over 25 per 1,000. Gabapentin was the second-highest drug of abuse reported by the Florida Poison Control Centers in 2020. In total, there were 803 exposures to gabapentin in 2020. In 2020, the Florida Medical Examiners Commission required all districts in the state to report deaths associated with gabapentin - 861 occurrences were reported in 2020. 

Recommendations

Based on increased documented crime lab reports and deaths associated with gabapentin, it appears that this drug is being used illicitly. Updates to gabapentin label warnings regarding potential breathing difficulties, especially with taken with other depressant medications, should be required and discussed by medical professionals when described. Lastly, clinical trials to further understand the abuse potential of gabapentin is needed, especially in combination with opioids. 

"UthMpact Facts" Social Norms Campaign

 

 

 

"UthMpact Facts" Social Norms Campaign

The teen years can be difficult because youth identify with their peers and want to spend more time hanging out with them. The behavior of the popular crowd often influences teens' perceived social norms with beliefs that most are engaging in a specific activity such as everyone smokes, has tried drugs or alcohol, or use them on a regular basis. While some teens may engage in risky behaviors, statistics show that in reality most are not smoking, drinking, or using drugs. 

Social norms facts encourage students to rethink their position about use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. UthMpact, the youth component of the drug free coalition for Polk County comprised of local high school teen leaders, has been busy distributing "UthMpact Facts" posters in schools and around the community depicting creative designs promoting the positive in Polk Youth Culture with updated factoids based on data reported by 6-12 grade students in the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS). "UthMpact Facts" share the reality that most Polk County students ARE NOT involved in risky behaviors. Knowing the Facts can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident making more informed personal decisions after learning the truth that most teens are making the right choices by choosing NOT to smoke, drink, or use substances. 

For information about evidence-based prevention education and social norms messaging available in your child's school and in the local community, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 and ask to speak with Executive Director, Angie Ellison, or Social Norms Coordinator, James Shiver. 

SAVE THE DATE: 2022 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

SAVE THE DATE

2022 Red Ribbon Run

Saturday, October 29. 2022

With continued health and safety measures in mind, InnerAct Alliance is busy making plans for the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign in our community this fall to prevent harm and promote health!

We are excited to announce that the 2022 Red Ribbon Run will take place on Saturday, October 29th with a FREE Kids Fun Run for K-8 Students, along with a Family Fun Run in which parents can run or walk with their children, plus an enjoyable Farmers Market and vendor area at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

Please plan to join us for the 2022 Red Ribbon Run events to support substance abuse prevention in our community. Stay tuned for more information to be announced soon!

www.RedRibbonRun.com 

@RedRibbonRunSeries Facebook page 

Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies Essay, Poetry and Poster Contest

 

Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies
Essay, Poetry & Poster Contest

Traditionally at this time of year, InnerAct Alliance hosts the Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies in the greater Lakeland and Winter Haven areas to reinforce substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school. Fifth grade is a critical time in children's lives during which they may be offered one of the gateway drugs. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to host an in-person Rally Event in 2022, but we are excited to continue the Red Ribbon Essay, Poetry and Poster Contest! Fifth Graders are invited to create original essays, poems, and posters that convey topical anti-drug messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Entries received from schools will be judged in April and participating students will be awarded certificates. Top Winners will win special prizes.

We look forward to seeing the creative talents of our area's 5th Grade students!

DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back on Saturday, April 30, 2022

 

DEA's National Prescription Drug
Take-Back on Saturday, April 30, 2022

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, April 30, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unneeded and expired human and pet medication.

Vaping pens and other e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed) will also be accepted at drop off locations. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. Medicines kept in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Many people are also unaware of how to properly dispose of unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards.

Our community's Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following locations in Polk County (*pending final confirmation of participating locations) for citizens to turn in Human and Pet Medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins, medication (liquid or solid), as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed) for safe and proper disposal. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Auburndale Police Dept. - 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL

Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL

Davenport Police Dept. - 16 Bay Street W, Davenport, FL 

Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Hwy 27, Haines City, FL

Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL

Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave., Lake Alfred, FL

Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave., Lake Hamilton, FL

Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave., Lake Wales, FL 

Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lk Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medication may also be taken to permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (190 N. Seminole Ave., 24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (100 Smith Ave., weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (219 N. Massachusetts Ave., 24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-5).  Only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes – no liquids or syringes.

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 24,728.8 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. For information, contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

The Power of Humane Education

The Power of Humane Education

Thanks to generous new funding, InnerAct Alliance is excited to offer schools and organizations in Polk County an impactful new humane education program for children. Lessons include instruction by a humane educator using high quality, age appropriate literature, critical thinking techniques, and activities that reinforce healthy ways to interact with peers and promote animal welfare. There's also a fun option to bring live or stuffed animals in as part of the presentation and discussion to enhance learning outcome.

The Benefits of Humane Education

* Violence and bullying reduction by using live or stuffed animals to promote responsible, healthy decision-making skills

* Literacy lesson with high quality literature fosters young children's natural curiosity and affinity with animals to build compassion and respect

* Post-reading activities promote and strengthen academic engagement and prosocial behaviors of peers

These impactful discussions at a young age assist a child's ability to create real and interesting pathways for learning. The positive effects may reach far beyond the classroom into the home, across our community, and throughout our world! 

To learn more about the power of humane education, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or email Angie Ellison at: angie.ellison@inneractalliance.org. We look forward to having an opportunity to work with you and your children!

Empower Kids to Think Positively!

 

Empower Kids to Think Positively!

As a parent, YOU are the biggest influence in your child's life as you help them develop into healthy adults. Kids model parents' behavior. If they see you bounce back from setbacks, they will learn to do the same.

Help kids to see a way around obstacles. If something doesn't go as planned, encourage brainstorming other ways to approach the problem or reach their goals. 

Let them know negative reactions are okay when appropriate. Having a positive attitude doesn't mean burying feelings - acknowledge them and move on.

Teach constructive reframing. If a child declares she's lousy at sports, suggest maybe she simply needs more practice and if excelling at sports is important to her, she'll eventually master the necessary skills.

Encourage positive self-talk. Words have power, so offer affirmations to repeat until they become second nature:

"I am worthy of good things."

"I can achieve anything I set my mind to."

"There's a way around this challenge."

"Things will work out in the long run."

A positive frame of mind can lead to making better decisions. Positivity also makes it easier to achieve goals - you learn to look ahead and plot a course instead of just reacting to a setback. Of course this doesn't mean children will never feel sad, frustrated, or discouraged, but it can help keep them from feeling hopeless when they encounter the challenges life throws at them.

Thanks to our prevention partners at Informed Families for sharing great idea on how to foster a positive attitude in children and suggesting fun Family Table time activities suitable for school-aged families to help promote lifelong healthy habits. Visit: www.InformedFamilies.org 

Stay at the Scene - It Could Save a Life!

Stay at the Scene

It Could Save a Life!

The Florida Department of Transportation District 1 Safety Office in Bartow, in partnership with the Center for Urban Transportation Research, recently completed a Stay at the Scene Public Service Announcement.

Please click on the link below to view the PSA and remember to stay at the scene - it could save a life!

https://youtu.be/nBFg0bxeLfY