StandUP Polk Coalition Supports FDA Safety and Innovation Act (Synthetic Drugs)

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, InnerAct Alliance, and The Office of National Drug Control Policy commend Congress for passing the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, S. 3187, which requires 26 synthetic chemicals, including those commonly found in products marketed as "K2" and "Spice" to be considered Schedule I substances. Schedule I substances are those with a high potential for abuse; have no medical use in treatment in the United States; and lack an accepted safety for use of the drug.


"I applaud Congress for coming together on this issue that is affecting so many of our young people. Research shows that parents are the most powerful force in the lives of young people,” said ONDCP Director Kerlikowske. "Synthetic drugs like 'bath salts,' Spice, and K2 are a serious threat to health and safety. I urge families to take time today to learn what these drugs are and discuss the harms that all drugs pose to young people in America."


As part of ongoing efforts to coordinate the Federal response to the drug threat, in February the ONDCP joined The Partnership at Drugfree.org to introduce a kit for parents and adult influencers housing the tools they need to talk with their teens about this emerging threat and recognize the warning signs of use. The information kit includes a slide-cast with facts about synthetic drugs, a corresponding podcast and video, and a printable guide so parents can present details on what to look for, what the street names are and what the effects of these substances are to others in their community. The kit is available on The Partnership at Drugfree.org website and is part of the "Parents360" community education program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.


StandUP Polk is the adult-based component of the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, a pro-active group committed to changing attitudes and beliefs about underage drinking, reducing social and retail access to alcohol, and advocating against abuse of marijuana and prescription drugs. Members of StandUP Polk include representatives from community and faith-based organizations, local law enforcement, medical profession, businesses, schools, parents and youth from all over Polk County. The Coalition operates through grant funding provided by the Drug Free Community Grant.


The community is welcome to attend regular meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00 A.M. at the Lakeland Flying Tigers Clubhouse at Tigertown in Lakeland, FL. For additional information, please contact Lisa A. Jones (lisa.jones@inneractalliance.org), call (863) 802-0777, or follow StandUP Polk Coalition on Facebook at : www.facebook.com/StandUPPolk  or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/StandUPPolk

Red Ribbon Rallies Poster, Poetry & Essay Contests Winter Haven Area Winners – May 9, 2012

InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of its Poster, Poetry and Essay Contests for Fifth Grade Students in the greater Winter Haven/Haines City area schools. Contest participants are being recognized during the Red Ribbon Rally this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Polk State College Gym in Winter Haven.

The anti-drug rally focuses on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Students were challenged to use their creative talents to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Overall winners in each category will receive cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place) in each contest category.

Congratulations to Winter Haven/Haines City Contest Overall Prize Winners

Poster Category

1st Place - $100.00 - Elizabeth Brianna West, Lena Vista

2nd Place - $ 50.00 - Karla Cruz, Palmetto

3rd Place - $ 25.00 - Savanna Igatua, Caldwell

Poetry Category

1st Place - $100.00 - Malachi Claussen, Jewett School of the Arts

2nd Place - $ 50.00 - Quaterra Cooper, Eastside

3rd Place - $ 25.00 - Rebecca Harwell, Berkley

Essay Category

1st Place - $100.00 - Lora Young, Janie Howard Wilson

2nd Place - $ 50.00 - Michael Petty, Elbert

3rd Place - $ 25.00 - Kayla Deen, Palmetto

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – Berkley Elementary

Guest speaker for the Rally is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all of their endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.” Community leaders will also be on hand to encourage the choice of a positive, healthy lifestyle without the use of drugs.

Similar rallies for Lakeland area schools took place last week on May 2nd at The Lakeland Center.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to offer substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug-free puppet shows, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rally, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

Spring 2012 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,300 lbs. of Pharmaceuticals

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 28, 2012, and host our community’s Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off at 8 locations throughout Polk County for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications for safe and proper disposal.

An estimated 1,300 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Florida Department of Transportation (hosted by Bartow Police Department), Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Previous prescription medication collections held in Polk County, FL have resulted in nearly 1,700 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals.

Unwanted medications may be taken to Polk County’s new Permanent Drop Site at the Winter Haven Police Department, located at 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, in Winter Haven, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm. Additional permanent drop sites in the county are expected to be announced very soon.

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, is a group of concerned citizens, law enforcement, community and business leaders working together to take a stand against drugs and bring about positive change for Polk County. For more information, please contact Lisa A. Jones, StandUP Polk coalition coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.

Red Ribbon Rallies Poster, Poetry & Essay Contests Lakeland Area Winners Announced May 2, 2012

InnerAct Alliance is proud to announce the winners of its Poster, Poetry and Essay Contests for Fifth Grade Students in the greater Lakeland area schools. Contest participants will be recognized during the Red Ribbon Rallies, which take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at The Lakeland Center.

The anti-drug rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Students were challenged to use their creative talents to compose essays, write poems, or draw posters to illustrate topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Overall winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes of $100 (first place), $50 (second place), and $25 (third place) in each contest category.

Congratulations to Lakeland Area Rallies Contest Overall Prize Winners:

Poster Category:

1st Place $100.00 Christopher Williams, St. Anthony Catholic (11 AM Rally)

2nd Place $ 50.00 Stephen Mansker, Carlton Palmore (9:30 AM Rally)

3rd Place $ 25.00 Shannon Nichols, R. Bruce Wagner (11 AM Rally)

Poetry Category:

1st Place $100.00 Morgan Cerekwicki, St. Paul Lutheran (11 AM Rally)

2nd Place $ 50.00 David Fullenkamp, South McKeel Academy (11 AM Rally)

3rd Place $ 25.00 Ashley Smith, McKeel Elementary Academy (9:30 AM Rally)


Essay Category:

1st Place $100.00 Bayli Moran, Scott Lake (11 AM Rally)

2nd Place $ 50.00 RaDeja McNeil, Crystal Lake (9:30 AM Rally)

3rd Place $ 25.00 Rushil Kasetty, Carlton Palmore (9:30 AM Rally)

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – McKeel Elementary Academy (Attending 9:30 AM Rally)

School with the Most Contest Participants Overall – Purcell Elementary (Attending 11:00 AM Rally)

Guest speaker for the Rallies is Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all of their endeavors. Grady is the author of “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and “Teen Power and Beyond.”

Another rally for Winter Haven and Haines City area schools will be held next week on Wednesday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. in the Polk State College Gym. Contest winners for those schools will be announced next week.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to offer substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug-free puppet shows, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rallies, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

FIFTH-GRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN RED RIBBON RALLIES ON MAY 2 & 9, 2012

Nearly 6,000 fifth grade students have been invited by InnerAct Alliance to attend Red Ribbon Rallies in May to encourage the choice of a positive lifestyle without the use of drugs. Events will take place on May 2 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at The Lakeland Center, and on May 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Polk State College Gym in Winter Haven.

The anti-drug rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school in the fall. Guest speaker will be Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator who travels throughout North America inspiring and encouraging individuals to do their best in all of their endeavors. Grady is the author of the book titled, “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too,” and the book, “Teen Power and Beyond.” Community leaders will also be on hand to encourage the choice of a positive, healthy lifestyle without the use of drugs.

Fifth grade students have been challenged to create original essays, poems, and posters that convey topical messages about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Contest winners will be recognized during the rallies with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 awarded to overall first place winners in each contest category.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through: Community Awareness and Involvement; Prevention Education; Economic Support; and Leadership Development. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency is proud to have provided substance abuse prevention to the Hardee, Highlands and Polk County communities since 1985 with services including science-based education in elementary and middle schools, drug-free puppet shows, informative presentations and family-oriented awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others in need with an important substance abuse message.

For further information on the Fifth Grade Rallies on May 2 and 9, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

2011-2012 UthMpact Leadership Program Graduation

UthMpact will hold its graduation for the First Class of High School Student Leaders who have successfully completed the 2011-2012 UthMpact Leadership Program on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Jim Miles Professional Development Building in Lakeland.

Congratulations to the following UthMpact Leaders: Arianna Strozier, Susan Murphy Stidham, Jessica Pena, Victoria Villanti, Richard Anderson, Rachel Martin, Jessica Killingsworth, Amanda Schell, Eugene Kim, Thazin Latt, Adrielle Conner, Taylor Jones, Tait Jones, Erica Schaaf, Kendra Wilson, Jessica Emerson, Michael Nardelli, Cody Gill, Savanna Collins, Abigail Nesbeth, Patrick Mims, Tori Ellison, Tashana Hazelwood, Seth Stone, Taylor Kowalske, and Alan Roberts.

The UthMpact Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. The student participants were all nominated by their high school principals. Teens had the unique opportunity to travel throughout the county, meet with community leaders, and experience the inner workings of local government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement.

The formation of Class II of the Leadership Program is underway. For additional information, please contact Veronica Awai, UthMpact Coalition Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777, or by e-mail at: veronica@uthmpact.com. Find UthMpact on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpact.

UthMpact Business & Industry Leadership Day - March 28, 2012

The UthMpact Student Leaders participated in Business & Industry Leadership Day on March 28, 2012, and had an opportunity to visit six different businesses during a full and action-packed day.

On our first stop, we visited MidFlorida Credit Union, where Community Relations Coordinator, Jeanette Wallace, arranged for a behind the scenes tour of the branch for us and we learned about technology the bank uses to count and separate coins and check for counterfeit money.

After stops at Blue Sky Incubator and Cypher, we ate lunch at Publix training and office center and toured the dairy plant, where we were able to taste some of the delicious ice cream made there! Our next stop was a great tour at The Ledger newspaper, before moving on to WellDyne, where we observed the inner workings of the pharmacy and call center and saw robot machines that fill prescription bottles in about 12 seconds.

The day ended at the Central Florida Aerospace Academy at the Lakeland Airport, where we met with one of the flight instructors and toured the facility.

(Recap written by UthMpact members Tait Jones, a junior at Lake Gibson High School, and Eugene Kim, a junior at Bartow IB)