UthMpact Leadership Class XII On The Move!

 

UthMpact Leadership Class XII enjoyed exploring aspects of the Health & Wellness sector of our community during their October leadership outing. First on the busy agenda was a stop at Bartow Regional Medical Center which has served the Polk County community for the past 95 years.

While there, the students toured the facility, made IV bags for patients, then gowned up for a visit to the OR. Hospital personnel took time to speak with students about current health care issues and services provided at Bartow Regional which include an emergency department, intensive care unit, outpatient services, plus other medical offices that house physicians and clinics. Next, the Leadership teens visited Kelly Recreation for hands-on fun playing pickleball and learning popular line dances. A visit to VISTE (Volunteer in Service to the Elderly) rounded out the day for UthMpact leaders to learn how health and wellness is important to senior clients. The creative teens lent their talents to decorate festive Thanksgiving bags.

During UthMpact Business Leadership Day in early December, the teens headed to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union where they learned about careers in the banking and finance fields and received tips about how to budget, apply for a mortgage, and other valuable information for their future. The day's travels took students to KidPACK to help preapre some of the 11,000 meals the organization will distribute to homeless students and families in Polk County during the upcoming Winter Break.

  

Next on the agenda was a visit to Catapult Lakeland to explore ways this organization supports Lakeland's entrepreneurs and startup companies by offering resources, programs, and space to help them succeed. The group topped off an informative Leadership Day at the RP Funding Center where they were treated to an interesting tour of the facility and the Lakeland Magic's team headquarters. 

Looking forward to more exciting adventures for UthMpact in 2023!

Know the Facts - The UthMpact Facts

 

The UthMpact Teen Coalition is sharing "UthMpact Facts" with its social norms marketing campaign aimed at helping to correct false perceptions and celebrate the positives among today's youth culture. 

This powerful peer to peer approach is based on statistics published in the Annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), which reports the reality that most youth in Polk County are NOT using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Often teens believe that all their peers drink, smoke, or vape. If the perception is that drinking and using drugs is what makes you popular, the rate of substance abuse among youth increases.

UthMpact Facts help to close the gap between perception and reality by sharing proven facts that show MOST POLK TEENS ARE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES by NOT drinking, smoking, vaping, or using substances. This knowledge based in fact can help students avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel more confident in making informed personal decisions after knowing and considering the facts.

Good news is that the social norms approach is proven to work - there has been an average 30% shift in changed perceptions!

New funding will allow UthMpact to share UthMpact Facts to more students in area middle and high schools in 2023...with plans to branch out to elementary schools and higher education!

Area Fifth-Graders Celebrated Positive Choices at InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies

 

InnerAct Alliance teamed up with the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League, to add a fun sports element and celebrate healthy choices at the 2022 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies held this month. This marked the agency’s first in-person Rally events held since COVID-19. Prevention Rallies help to reinforce critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school.

Winners of the Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rally for The Facts Contest were recognized during the Rally events on December 7 and December 15 for their creative poster, poetry, and essay entries illustrating the fact that the majority of Polk teens choose not to use drugs or alcohol. Community leaders and law enforcement encouraged students to find effective ways to deal with pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use. Students received Magic memorabilia.

The December 7 Rally was held at the Advent Health Fieldhouse for 600 students from East Polk schools. Attendees were welcomed by Winter Haven Mayor Brad Dantzler and Polk Sheriff’s Office Major Vance Monroe, Jr., along with Lakeland Magic General Manager Kevin Tiller, coaches and players. Magic mascot Swish entertained students prior to watching the team practice.

Rally Fun continued on December 15 for fifth-graders in the Lakeland area. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz and Police Chief Sam Taylor, Jr. encouraged students to make healthy life choices and avoid risky behaviors. Students cheered for the Magic as they defeated the Birmingham Squadron by a score of 101-95 at the RP Funding Center. 

East Polk/Winter Haven  Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster                                                                                                                  
1^st Place - Liam F., Cypress Junction Montessori 

2^nd Place - Breezy M., Lena Vista                                   
3^rd Place – Sophia G., John Snively                                                  

Poetry

1^st Place – Rocco Z., Cypress Junction Montessori
2^nd Place – Morgann W., Lena Vista
3^rd Place – Isa P., Pinewood

Essay                                                                                                                    
1^st Place - Jeinni P., Cypress Junction Montessori               
2^nd Place - Mya B., Lena Vista     
3^rd Place – Brynlee B., Pinewood

School with Most Contest Participants - Cypress Junction Montessori

Lakeland Area Fifth Grade Rally for the Facts Contest Winners

Overall Prize Winners

Poster

1^st Place - Isabel P., Spessard E. Holland 
2^nd Place - Karlie J., Sleepy Hill                                    
3^rd Place - Bella K., Highlands Grove                        

Poetry

1^st Place – Braleigh P., Sleepy Hill
2^nd Place – Tjrenique R., Valleyview
3^rd Place – Eden V., Cleveland Court

Essay                                                                    

1^st Place - Sydney A., Valleyview
2^nd Place - Alysen H., McKeel Central
3^rd Place - Aiden M., Sleepy Hill

School with the Most Contest Participants – McKeel Central

Florida Law Enforcement Highlights Risks of Exposure to Fentanyl

 

The Tavares Police Department is highlighting the dangers of Fentanyl, the deadly opioid that is nearly 50 times more potent than heroin, after one of their officers suffered an accidental overdose. Officer Courtney Bannick found herself experiencing life-threatening effects after she was exposed to Fentanyl during a traffic stop in which drugs and drug paraphernalia were found. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday, December 13.

Within minutes of discovering the substances in the vehicle, the officer began to choke and drift in and out of consciousness as the drug overtook her and her body began to shut down. First responders administered three doses of the overdose drug, Narcan, to help revive her. Fortunately, Officer Bannick is expected to make a full recovery.

We wish Officer Bannick well and are grateful that she is willing to share her experience to warn the public about just how dangerous Fentanyl can be – even in small doses and when exposed for a few short moments. 

The 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Has Begun

 

For many people, the holidays are the highlight of the year. But for some, this time of year is a major source of stress and anxiety that can greatly impact mental health. Getting in the holiday spirit can be difficult - whether it is from a change in routine, gift giving, family gatherings, or grief after losing a loved one.

It is important to take care of yourself and your mental health this December. Practice basic routines when possible and think about slowing down when doing things you normally find yourself rushing through. 

If the holidays are hard this season, give yourself the gift of some extra space and time to relax by using some of the helpful suggestions shared in this graphic by @PositivelyPresent to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas and into the New Year.

Happy December - Tips for December Self-Care!

Happy December from InnerAct Alliance! The holiday season is known as "the most wonderful time of the year" but with a busy to do list of shopping, decking the halls, hosting parties, and attending family gatherings, it can also be the most stressful time of year. That's why it's super important to continue healthy habits.

We want to help you feel your best this holiday season, so we are going to continue sharing self-care tips over the coming weeks like this cute seasonal reminder from @PositivelyPresent to help you achieve the most comfort and joy and connect with what is most important to you about the holidays!

 

Area Fifth-Graders to Participate in InnerAct Alliance’s Red Ribbon Rallies on Dec 7 and Dec 15, 2022

InnerAct Alliance is excited to partner with the Lakeland Magic, the Orlando Magic’s affiliate in the NBA G-League, to present the 2022 Red Ribbon Fifth Grade Rallies in an entirely new format. Area fifth-grade students have been invited to celebrate positive life choices and experience the fun of Lakeland Magic Basketball as they take to the court as part of the rally events on Wednesday, December 7th in the East Polk/Winter Haven area and on Thursday, December 15th in Lakeland.

Prevention Rallies focus on reinforcing critical substance abuse resistance skills before students enter middle school. Facts show that the majority of young people choose not to use drugs or alcohol. Over the past few weeks, students have been challenged to participate in the Fifth Grade Rally for The Facts Contest to create original posters, poems, and essays that illustrate the benefits of making healthy choices. Contest winners will be recognized during the Rally and community leaders and law enforcement members will be on hand to encourage the students to find effective ways to deal with everyday pressures and challenges in their lives without resorting to substance use.

The mission of InnerAct Alliance is to reduce the abuse and underage use of harmful substances along with involvement in other risky behaviors 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, youth leadership opportunities, teen-driven social marketing, and awareness events that touch the lives of youth, parents, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, community groups and others with an important substance abuse prevention message. 

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