Friday, April 26, 2024
Major Drug Seizures & Arrests in Polk County and Central Florida
Americans Under Age 20 Exposed to Delta-8 THC
Map of
THC-related emergency department visits and hospitalization
Mapping the Delta-8, Delta-9, or Any THC-Related
Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations Through News Reports | Get
Smart About Drugs
More info
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/children-and-teens-make-majority-delta-8-thc-exposures
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Thursday Thoughts: How Can Positive Reinforcement Benefit Children?
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool to help children learn to behave, build confidence, and increase self-esteem. It can even help motivate them to take on challenges in the future. However, it’s equally important to remember there can be too much of a good thing.
Parents should praise both big and small
accomplishments, but it’s not needed for every little action. Instead, pick and
choose moments when kids have worked hard, gone beyond to show kindness, or
modeled new positive behaviors.
Here are some suggestions for using positive reinforcement:
*Verbal
praise –
be specific about what your child did well
*Tangible rewards – provide something your child enjoys like stickers or small treats
*Activity reinforcers – reward kids with a preferred
activity like games or computer time
*Praise efforts & accomplishments – to encourage positive behavior
*Privileges – recognition helps motivate
children to continue positive behavior
*Schedule reinforcement – a routine can provide
opportunities for positive reinforcement
*Reinforce immediately – good behavior is more likely to be repeated if reinforcement is given right away
It is equally important to acknowledge when mistakes are made. Do this in a positive way so kids can learn from the situation, analyze their mistakes, and look for potential solutions. Simply ask what went right, what went wrong, and what can be done better next time.
Teaching kids to reframe mistakes and find potential solutions shows them that you are their supporter and it’s safe to come to you with their problems - and that's something positive that all good parents want to encourage!
Celebrating Healthy Fun & Positive Social Norms Today!
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Alcohol Awareness Month: Teen Tips to Avoid Drinking
During the 4th week of Alcohol Awareness Month, we recognize that it can be hard for teens to say no when friends are drinking. Empowering yourself with knowledge showcases strength and individuality and can help you stand your ground against peer pressure.
Different strategies for refusing
alcohol work for different people. Some find it helps to say no without giving
an explanation by saying “I’m not into drinking” or “A close relative
died from drinking.” Others think offering a reason works better, such as
saying it will get you in trouble or you’ve seen negative effects it has on
others. It’s not about making excuses, it’s about standing up for yourself and
how you feel. Whichever you choose, it helps to plan your responses and be
clear and direct – preparing ahead of time can help you handle situations with
confidence. Here are some helpful tips:
*Participate in Alcohol-Free Activities – fun activities naturally deter
alcohol use. Plan alternate
activities with friends that aren’t focused on drinking – see a movie, head out
shopping, or go play basketball, mini-golf, or bowling. Everyone will have a better time than
engaging in risky behaviors that tend to occur when teens are under the
influence of alcohol.
*Shift the Blame – use your parents or coaches as an excuse for not wanting to face tough consequences, like “I already got in trouble at home, I don’t want to go through that again.” or “I have a game tomorrow, my coach will kill me.” These are valid excuses most kids can relate to in their lives.
*Crack a Joke – humor can be a great way to change the subject and take the attention away from you – and away from drinking.
*Involve Like-Minded Friends – surround yourself with friends who either don’t drink or respect your choice not to. A buddy system can also help when you’re at a gathering where alcohol is present so you can support each other while there and even leave together if you want to.
*Educate & Communicate - talk with parents or trusted adults about drinking and plan strategies to handle tough situations. Understand the risks that go along with underage drinking - it can strengthen your resolve to stay sober.
*Don't Believe the Hype - you're not alone - most teen are NOT drinking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), teen binge drinking has declined over recent years. Close to home, statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually show that 84% of Polk Teens CHOOSE NOT to Drink Alcohol (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2022, FYSAS).
*Know Your Goals & Stick to Them - think about what is most important to you. This can help you make decisions that align with your best interests. When you realize YOU are among the majority who do make healthy choices, it can empower you to avoid peer pressure, embrace healthier habits, and refrain from risky behaviors. When you surround yourself with like-minded people, you can help each other continue to make smart choices.
*Remember, your choices are your own – don’t give anyone the power to dictate your actions.
Learn More
Time to Clean Out Your Home Medicine Cabinet
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Surge in Fentanyl Poisoning Among American Children
IAA Public Safety Spot: One Pill Can Kill
https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/2024/04/iaa-public-safety-awareness-ad-fentanyl.html
The New England Journal of Medicine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2313270)
Monday, April 22, 2024
Know the Truth about Environmental Impact of Drugs
On this Earth Day, our partners at the Drug Free America Foundation urge us to learn the truth about the environmental impact of drugs on our planet. This short 1:50 video explains how illicit drug crop cultivation, drug production, trafficking, and drug use all contribute to the degradation of our natural environment by accelerating loss of biodiversity, destroying sensitive natural habitats, and creating pollution.
Happy Earth Day – Earth is Life!
Today is Earth Day, the
annual celebration to raise awareness and advocate for change on issues that
impact our home - Planet Earth! The Earth
Day initiative began in 1970 and has grown to include events
coordinated globally that involve over a billion people in more than 193
countries. The 2024 theme is “Planet vs. Plastics” to raise awareness of
the health risks of plastics, with the goal to phase out use of single-use
plastics. Thanks to our friends at Positively Present for illustrating wonderful
suggestions we can do to love our Home Planet!
InnerAct Alliance and
coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, support Earth
Day and local efforts to keep our community safe year-round. This
Saturday, April 27 we will join the DEA and 6 Polk County enforcement agencies to
host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for citizens to turn in unused expired human and pet
medications for safe disposal – this keeps medication from being misused or winding
up in lakes and streams harming the water supply and wildlife.
Haines City (weekdays 8-5)
Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days)
Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5)
Lakeland (24hrs/7days)
Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5)
Operation Prevention: Counterfeit Drugs Video
For an informative overview of the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills that are made to look like prescription medication, please view this short video, “The Fentanyl Crisis – Unmasking Fake Pills”, narrated by a senior research chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
You don’t know what is in fake pills by visually looking at them – it’s hard to tell the difference and that difference can be deadly!
Knowledge saves
lives!
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/prescriptions-opioids-fake-pills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEEMUUF0ra0&t=2s&ab_channel=DrugEnforcementAdministration
Saturday, April 20, 2024
DEA’s Spring Rx Take Back Day is a Week Away – Next Saturday 4/27
Medications stored in home cabinets can become a public safety issue and wind up in the wrong hands, too often becoming a gateway to addiction. InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk and our law enforcement partners throughout Polk County invite you to help make our community safer by turning in your expired or unwanted Human and Pet Medication at our community’s Drug Enforcement Administration Spring Rx Take Back next Saturday, April 27, from 10am-2pm.
Visit
any of (6) participating Polk County police department locations listed
below to turn in human and pet meds in liquid or solid form as well as vaping
pens and e-cigarette devices (batteries removed). Please place medication in a
clear, air-tight plastic bag.
Medication can also be turned in at permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes).
This
event helps educate about the potential for misuse and offers a convenient and
responsible means of disposal. Previous medication collections in Polk since
2010 have resulted in approximately 28,547 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals
safely disposed of via incineration. We urge parents to lock your medicine
cabinet to keep all medications out of the reach of children.
For more information on our local Prescription Drug Take-Back event, please contact the StandUP Polk coalition at (863) 802-0777.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Annual Prevention Summit Highlights
Common Sense Tips for Safe Teen Parties
Informed Families offers a Safe Homes Smart Parties guide to assist parents in setting firm guidelines for acceptable behaviors during this celebratory time of year. The common sense tips will assist parents in helping guide their teens in ways to celebrate responsibly and ensure that drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes will not be permitted at parties held at their homes and discouraged at parties in the community.
*Plan
in advance –
check party plans with your teen and know who the guests will be. Set definite
limits to help prevent an “open party” situation.
*Agree to rules ahead of time – no drugs including alcohol and tobacco –
no leaving/returning to the party - no gate crashers – decide which rooms in
your home are off limits.
*Know your responsibilities – the responsible adult at a teenager’s party must be visible and aware. It is illegal to serve/provide drugs including beer, wine, wine coolers, etc. to anyone under age 21. Criminal as well as monetary damages are at stake for those who furnish alcohol or drugs to a minor.
*Supervision is key to keeping a party safe - if guests arrive acting like they’re under the influence, notify their parents immediately. In addition, anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return. This discourages people from leaving with intent to drink/use drugs elsewhere before returning to the party.
*Welcome calls from other parents to discuss the party arrangements – notify neighbors beforehand that a party is planned and will be supervised. For a large party, notify the police to discuss an agreeable parking plan or consider hiring an off-duty police officer to assist with parking and enforcing rules about alcohol and drugs.
*Plan ahead – have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks and plan activities such as movies, dancing, sports, etc. to keep kids busy and having safe fun.
*Feedback – after the party, talk with your teen to share observations and frustrations.
Safe
Homes Smart Parties Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq4TNbgZkzw&ab_channel=InformedFamilies
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Thursday Thoughts: Mixed Messages About Alcohol
Resources to Learn More About Underage Drinking
https://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/atod/alcohol
https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/
2023-2024 UthMpact Leadership Class XIII Graduation & Scholarship Winners
The group’s most prominent projects are Project
Prom, to provide formal wear and
accessories to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors
during prom and graduation time, as well as
the UthMpact
Facts social norms program, which celebrates the positives in Polk youth culture and shares important facts and informative
messages about alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, prescription drugs, vaping,
bullying, mental health, and distracted driving in area
high schools and at community events.
Candidates for the 2024-2025 UthMpact Leadership Class XIV, chosen based on their scholastic and leadership experience, will be announced soon. For information, please contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777, visit www.uthmpact.org, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpactPolk.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Can You Spot the Fake?
DEA's One Pill Can Kill Public Safety Campaign