Alcohol Policy Safeguards Save Lives

 

1 American dies every 52 minutes due to alcohol impaired driving. You are less likely to be in a crash involving a drunk driver if you live in a state with more alcohol policy safeguards.

Through InnerAct Alliance's Social Norms Campaign, our teachers speak to kids about distracted driving and the importance of keeping their parents focused when they're on the road. This is great practice for when they start driving themselves!

If you are interested in arranging for an informative presentation about alcohol and distracted driving for your student's school or community group, please reach out to Angie Ellison or James Shiver at InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Event Tomorrow - Saturday, April 30

Doing some Spring cleaning?
Remember to include your medicine cabinet...and we can help!

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies in Polk County are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for the Spring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner. These medications should not be kept around because the home medicine cabinet can be a tempting source for drug abuse!

Our community's Take Back Day will include the following 8 police department locations in Polk County. All medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Make Prom A Night You'll Never Forget!

 

Make Prom A Night You'll Never Forget!

One of the most memorable events of high school is Prom - a night of formal gowns and tuxes, friends and fun! But...no where does it say that alcohol or drugs are needed to enjoy the best party of the year!

In fact, most Polk County Teens report that they are ready to party WITHOUT using drugs or alcohol or engaging in risky behaviors.

83% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Alcohol
88% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Marijuana

98% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DO NOT use Tobacco
99% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DO NOT abuse Prescription Drugs
93% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DON'T Vape THC
90% of Polk Teens (grades 6-12) DON'T Vape Nicotine

100% of Distracted Driving is Preventable - DON'T Text & Drive

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Prom
Making Lasting Memories!

Second Hand Harm from the Drinking of Others

 

Second Hand Harm from the Drinking of Others

Harm as a result of other people's drinking is a real issue. Health experts have found that people living in communities with government oversight of alcohol sales are 41% less likely to experience physical harms from other people's drinking.

InnerAct Alliance's Social Norms programs educates about the importance of avoiding underage drinking and encourages making informed decisions when it comes to inhibiting your brain and clouding your judgment. 

If you would like InnerAct Alliance to visit and speak with your school or community group about the real facts about Alcohol and other Substance Abuse, please contact Angie Ellison or James Shiver at (863) 802-0777 for a special Social Norms presentation that will be both informative and enlightening.

Alcohol and Opioids Are a Lethal Mix

 

Alcohol and Opioids Are A Lethal Mix

Mixing alcohol and opioids can be lethal. Binge drinkers are 2x as likely to misuse prescription opioids. Health experts recommend strong alcohol safeguards to prevent heavy drinking and for physicians to screen patients on their alcohol use.

Knowledge is Power! InnerAct Alliance's Social Norms programs inform and educate about the use of alcohol and other inhibiting drugs and how they affect your brain. 

If you are interested in an informative program for your organization or would like your child's school to implement Social Norms education for teens, please contact Angie Ellison or James Shiver at (863) 802-0777. 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day This Saturday, April 30th

 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

This Saturday, April 30th

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 this Saturday, April 30, 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 responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day will include the following 8 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications in liquid and solid form, vitamins, and syringes for proper disposal. E-cig devices and JUULs will also be accepted at police department locations on Take Back Day. All 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 Dept. - 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale
Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave, Bartow
Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Hwy 27, Haines City

Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland
Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave, Lake Alfred
Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave, Lake Hamilton

Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave, Lake Wales
Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the country's permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the Police Dept. 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). Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medications in the toilet.

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 24,728.8 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.

Invest in Our Planet: Support Earth Day April 22, 2022

 

Invest in Our Planet: Support Earth Day
April 22, 2022

InnerAct Alliance is excited to celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22, as part of the annual environmental protection initiative that began in 1970 and has grown to include events coordinated globally that involve 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. Going Green can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which help protect the environment we live in and sustain our natural resources for current and future generations.

Our agency is proud to support local Earth Day initiatives highlighted in the City of Lakeland's Access Lakeland newsletter with fun outings for the whole family which include visiting the Se7en Wetlands, Lakeland's own functioning ecosystem with varied species of plants and animal wildlife on over 1,600 acres of marshes, swamps, and lakes on W. Carter Road in Mulberry (open 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily), or attending the Drive Electric Earth Day event on Saturday, April 23, at Munn Park in Lakeland (open 9:00 am to 1:00 pm) to learn about electric vehicles (EVs), stroll the Lakeland Farmers Curb Market, and enjoy local restaurants and outdoor cafes.

InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are happy to join the City's Lakes and Stormwater division and Keep Lakeland Beautiful, Inc. in efforts to beautify Lakeland by encouraging, educating, and promoting public interest in environmental efforts to support litter control and prevention.

To keep our community clean and litter free and encourage healthy lifestyle choices, we share proactive social norms messages and educational facts with teens and adults through prevention programs and special events to help discourage cigarette smoking and support efforts to quit smoking, which may lead not only to dangerous health problems caused by tobacco but also create major pollution and litter issues from discarded cigarette butts. 

           

Additionally, we host two medication take-back events in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement agencies each spring and fall to encourage citizens to turn in unused or expired prescription or over-the-counter human and pet medication for safe and proper disposal so they do not end up causing potential substance abuse or harm to our county's beautiful lakes and ground water. 

The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at 8 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications in liquid and solid forms, vitamins, and syringes for proper disposal. E-cigarette devices and JUULs will also be accepted at police department locations on Take Back Day. All medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag. 

Drop off locations are: 

Auburndale Police Dept. - 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Dept. - 240 North Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Highway 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 Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medication may also be taken to the country's permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at 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). Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). 

InnerAct Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and licensed prevention provider for substance abuse prevention in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. For information on IAA's local programs and events, please visit www.inneractalliance.org. Please also support the City of Lakeland’s Keep Lakeland Beautiful initiative and visit www.keeplakelandbeautiful.org. 

2021-2022 UthMpact Leadership Class XI Graduation & Scholarship Winners

 

UthMpact Leadership Class XI Graduation
and Scholarship Winners

UthMpact was proud to host its graduation ceremony for high school student leaders who have successfully completed the 2021-2022 UthMpact Leadership Class XI program on Wednesday evening, April 13th, at the Auburndale Civic Center.

Congratulations to UthMpact Leadership XI graduates: Hailey Ackerman, Alexander Andrade, Jackson Cassidy, Lillian Conran, Kelsi Davis, Aimee Diaz, Kylie Dowdy, Bryan Guerra-Meza, Chase Hawthorne, Sofia Iskra, Tristan Ledford, Jadon Looney, Yohance Love, Jr., Larnell Michel, Christopher Narramore, Jasmin Pruthi, Kourteney Salmon, Elizabeth Scott, Savannah Seger, Reese Sesser, Madeline Taylor, Serena Thomas, Ahmad Tillery, Angelina Veytia, Madalyn Vida, Kamya Williams, and Malachi Zarahn.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Annual UthMpact Scholarship: Luisa Cordova and Kamya Williams, deserving UthMpact Leadership Class XI graduates who each received $500 scholarships!

UthMpact is a coalition of teen leaders committed to educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to teens by their peers. The Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and key business and community partners, helps teens develop crucial leadership skills. Participants representing nearly every high school in the county travel monthly throughout the county to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. 

The group's most prominent projects have been Project Prom, providing formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students and educating about risky behaviors during prom and graduation time, as well as the UthMpact Facts social norming program, which celebrates the positives in Polk youth culture and shares important facts and messages about alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, vaping, bullying, and distracted driving in area high schools and at community events.

Candidates for the 2022-2023 UthMpact Leadership Class XII, chosen based on their scholastic and leadership experience, will be announced soon. For more info, please contact Samantha McCain or James Shiver at (863) 802-0777, visit www.uthmpact.org, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2022

 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
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, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications in a safe manner.

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans have misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from the home medicine cabinets of family and friends. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medication.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day will include the following 8 locations in Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications in liquid and solid form, vitamins, and syringes for proper disposal. E-Cigarette devices and JUULs will also be accepted at police department locations on Take Back Day. 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 Dept. – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Dept. – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Dept. – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Dept. – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Dept. – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Dept. – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Dept. – 125 N. Lake Silver Dr 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).  Please note: only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). 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 24,728.8 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.

Kratom use rising among youth - associated with marijuana use and cigarette use

 

KRATOM USE ARISING AMONG YOUTH

Associated with Marijuana Use and Cigarette Use

According to data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Kratom use among youth is becoming more common and is associated with marijuana use and cigarette use.

Kratom is a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Botanically, it belongs to the coffee family, and it contains several psychoactive compounds that mimic stimulants and opioids. It is sold in its original form and it can be obtained legally in powdered form or as a tea in several states in the U.S.

Kratom is addictive because the active compound, mytragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine, bind with the mu opioid receptor, producing feelings of euphoria and well-being. Thus, these compounds fall under the opioid classification.

In the present study, researchers found that prevalence of lifetime and past-year Kratom use was 0.44% among youth surveyed. Youth who reported past month cigarette or marijuana use were 2.6 and 2.5 times more likely, respectively, to report Kratom use than youth who did not smoke cigarettes or use marijuana.

Dr. Sharif Mohr commented, "The fact that more youth are using Kratom is worrying. Teens are much more susceptible to the addictive potential of psychoactive compounds - they are much likely to become addicted if they start in adolescence than in adulthood. And make no mistake, Kratom can be incredibly addictive. My main concern is that teens who use Kratom will be further primed for later addiction, especially those who also use nicotine and marijuana."

Source: Sharma V. Cottler LB, Bares CB, Lopez-Quintero C. Kratom Use Among U.S. Adolescents: Analyses of the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. J Adolesc Health 2021 Nov 23:S1054-139X(21)00502-4.

Tips for a Safe Prom and Graduation Season 2022

 

Tips for a Safe Prom and Graduation Season

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. The final Student Shopping Day of the Spring will take place this Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (old Sears wing). So far this year, over 150 students with a Polk County School ID have signed pledges promising to celebrate Prom alcohol- and substance-free and received their dresses, suits, and accessories for FREE!

Teens can plan some simple things in advance to ensure that Prom will be a safe and fun time to create unforgettable memories. Discuss Prom plans with your friends ahead of time and share those plans with your parents to establish trust. While the lines of communication are open, discuss a curfew that you all agree on and ask a parent or trusted adult to be available on Prom Night in case you need to call. It is also a good idea to get to know your prom date before you go. Talk to friends and your date to plan what you will say or do if someone offers alcohol or another illegal drug. It can be as simple as "No Thanks!" or "I want to remember tonight, you should too!" Bring a fully charged cell phone and make sure everyone's safe in the car wearing seat belts...and always remember, no texting and driving!

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. 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 28-34) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on April 9 or at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Ave. (8:30am-4:30pm weekdays).

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

UthMpact Facts: The Numbers Don't Lie...Most Don't Use!

April is National Stress Awareness Month

 

Welcome to the first day of a new month! April is National Stress Awareness Month, which begins on what can actually be a very stressful day - April Fool's Day. Stress Awareness Month is a cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, share successful coping strategies, and dispel harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society. 

4 Facts about Stress You Need to Know

1. Stress can help - sometimes

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "stress can motivate people to prepare or perform and might even be life-saving in some situations." 

2. It can be sickening - literally

People under stress - especially those prone to chronic stress - are more susceptible to a variety of ailments from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease.

3. Stressed? Here's why...

A survey from the American Psychological Association found that the five factors most often cited as a source of stress were money, work, family, economic outlook, and relationships.

4. America's highest and lowest stress states

A report on WalletHub found that the most stressed-out states in America are Louisiana, Nevada, and New Mexico. The least? Utah, Minnesota, and South Dakota. 

This month, please take extra time to pause, relax, enjoy life, take it easy, and not be afraid to seek support when needed.