Family Night Dinner at Bob Evans Restaurant - Tuesday, October 2, 2012

InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Bob Evans Restaurant locations in Lakeland (North and South), Davenport, and Lake Wales to offer Family Night on Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Families will receive free Red Ribbon prevention materials and information to help keep kids and families drug free!

The October 2nd Family Night Dinner special includes KIDS EAT FREE, and there will be fun craft activities for the kids at the North Lakeland location, compliments of Michaels.


Participating Bob Evans Restaurant locations include:


North Lakeland – 3130 U.S. Highway 98 N

South Lakeland – 6425 South Florida Avenue

Davenport – 43700 Highway 27 (US 27 & I-4)

Lake Wales – 23269 Highway 27 (next to Eagle Ridge Mall)

Research by The National Center on Addiction & Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. Family meals are the perfect time to talk to your kids and to listen to what’s on their mind.

For more information on Bob Evans Family Night, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

3rd Annual Drug Summit and Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off Event

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, is proud to present two important community events to kick off the 2012 Red Ribbon Campaign, the Annual Drug Summit and Fall Purge Your Pill Rx Drop Off.

The Coalition Partnership of Hardee County Alliance for Substance Abuse and Pregnancy Prevention, Drug Free Highlands, and StandUP Polk is proud to present the 3rd Annual Drug Summit on Thursday, September 27, 2012, from 8 am to 5 pm, at the W.H. Stuart Conference Center, 1710 U.S. 17 in Bartow. This collaborative event will help to inform about the latest drug trends, and develop proactive measures to prevent substance abuse in our families, schools and businesses.


Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, will be on hand as a guest speaker, and the keynote speaker for the event will be Paul Doering, M.S., a Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice Emeritus at the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. Participants may earn free CEU’s, CME’s, or Certificate of Attendance. The fee for the Drug Summit event is $20, and includes breakfast and lunch.


Our community’s first Fall Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off will take place on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Everest University’s Lakeland Campus, located at 995 East Memorial Blvd., Suite 110. For info, call (863) 274-7008.


Then on Saturday, September 29, 2012, StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies will join the Drug Enforcement Administration for Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at 6 locations in Polk County, from 10 am to 2 pm, for citizens to turn in unused or unwanted Human and Pet Medications for safe and proper disposal:


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

Haines City Police Dept. – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL

Lake Alfred Police Dept. – 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL

Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL

Lakeland Police Dept. – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL

Winter Haven Police Dept. – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Medication may also be taken to any of the county’s 4 permanent drop sites at the Auburndale Police Department (2 Bobby Green Plaza, in Auburndale, weekdays, 8 am-5pm), Haines City Police Department (35400 Highway 27, in Haines City, 24 hours/7 days), Lake Alfred Police Department (190 North Seminole Avenue, in Lake Alfred, 24 hours/7 days), and Winter Haven Police Department (125 North Lake Silver Drive NW, in Winter Haven, weekdays 8am-6pm).

Medications may be safely disposed of at home by dissolving medications in water, mixing with coffee grounds or cat litter, pouring into a zip lock bag, and putting in your trash. Do not dump any medications into the toilet to avoid harming lakes and ground water. Previous prescription medication collections held in Polk County, FL have resulted in nearly 1,700 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals.

Visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/standup/event/13015 to register online to attend the Drug Summit. For more information, call Hardee County ASAPP (863) 773-6349 (Suzanne Lambert); Drug Free Highlands (863) 382-2138 (Aisha Alayande); or Stand UP Polk at (863) 802-0777 (Lisa A. Jones).

Permanent Drop Sites for Prescription Drugs Now Available in Polk County

Unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs present dangerous risks to our community when they fall into the wrong hands, and they may potentially damage our environment through improper disposal. Prescription drug take back events, sponsored by StandUP Polk Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk and local law enforcement agencies in Polk County, have resulted in collection and safe and proper disposal of 3,000 pounds of unwanted medication turned in by the public over the past two years.

The partnership is pleased to announce the establishment of 4 permanent secure collection drop-boxes at the following police department locations for citizens to turn in unwanted human and pet medication year-round:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL (weekdays, 8 am-5pm)

Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL (24 hours/7 days)

Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL (24 hours/7 days)

Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL (weekdays, 8am – 6pm)

"Citizens can just come to any of these locations to drop off their prescription drugs anonymously,” said Lt. Keva Harris of Haines City Police Department, who serves as the Coalition’s law enforcement task force chairperson. “We appreciate the community's help in keeping dangerous medication off the street."

Medication must be deposited in a sealed container. No loose pills, liquid medication, or contraband will be collected at the permanent sites.

“With 1,300 pounds of medication collected at the Spring 2012 Pill Drop event, the need for secure sites to provide safe collection on more regular basis became even more apparent. We would like to thank the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland for assisting with the purchase of these permanent drop boxes for Polk County,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance, a partner in the StandUP Polk Coalition.

Our community’s first Fall Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off will take place on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Everest University’s Lakeland Campus, located at 995 East Memorial Blvd., Suite 110. For info, call (863) 274-7008.

Then on Saturday, September 29, 2012, StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies will join the Drug Enforcement Administration for the national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, from 10 am to 2 pm, for citizens to turn in unused or unwanted Human and Pet Medications for safe and proper disposal, at 6 locations in Polk County: Auburndale Police Dept. 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale; Haines City Police Dept. 35400 Highway 27, Haines City; Lake Alfred Police Dept. 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred; Lake Wales Police Dept. 133 East Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales; Lakeland Police Dept. 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland; Winter Haven Police Dept. 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven.

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.

InnerAct Alliance Awarded Drug Free Communities Continuation Grant to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

InnerAct Alliance is the proud recipient of a Drug Free Communities Support Program (DFC) Continuation Grant awarded this month by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant provides community coalitions needed support to facilitate citizen participation in local efforts to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse.
InnerAct Alliance, formerly the Drug Prevention Resource Center, has worked diligently since 1985 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 agency serves as the fiscal agent for the StandUP Polk (adult-based) and UthMpact (youth-based) Coalitions for a Drug-Free Polk to help educate about the dangers of substance abuse and bring about positive changes for Polk County.

To continue to be eligible for this grant funding, StandUP Polk and InnerAct Alliance have been tasked with working together on youth prevention initiatives for reducing prescription drug abuse and underage drinking with representation from 12 sectors of the community.

“Our efforts to keep youth substance-free are critical to creating and maintaining a healthy and safe community here in Polk County,” said Angie Ellison, executive director. “We are honored to have been awarded a DFC Continuation Grant to allow our Coalition and its partners to continue the important work that began with the initial grant in 2010, and remain focused on accomplishing our community’s long-term plan to reduce youth substance abuse!”

Some of the on-going successful coalition partnership projects supported by DFC grant funding over the past 2 years include the UthMpact Leadership Program (created in 2011); Annual Community Drug Summits (2010-2012); twice-yearly county-wide Purge Your Pills Rx Drop off events; increased capacity within both the StandUP Polk (adult) and UthMpact (youth) coalitions; increased collaboration between Hardee, Highlands, and Polk county coalition efforts that has resulted in the creation of an exciting new tri-county coalition slogo, and hiring of additional staff. The continuation grant will enable the Coalition partners to continue the important work that needs to be accomplished on our community’s long-term plan to reduce youth substance abuse.

Upcoming coalition events this fall include the 3rd Annual Drug Summit on September 27, 2012, from 8 am to 4 pm, at the Stuart Center on U.S. 17 in Bartow, and the DEA Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off on September 29, 2012, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Auburndale, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Winter Haven police department locations.

For additional information on StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and InnerAct Alliance’s prevention programs and services in the local community, please contact InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777.

UthMpact Leadership Class II

Students from various Polk County high schools have been nominated by their school principals to participate in the UthMpact Leadership Class II for 2012-2013. This unique program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills.

On July 31 – August 1, 2012, a group of 35 teens representing 16 different Polk County high schools took part in a Leadership Retreat, held at the Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Tampa, FL, to kick-off the program. The action packed agenda included DiSC personality tests and fun team building activities led by motivation expert, Patrick T. Grady, a former middle and high school educator, author of the book titled, “Who Packs the Parachute,” and co-author of “Teen Power Too” and “Teen Power and Beyond.” Recent graduates of the 2011-2012 UthMpact Leadership Class were also on hand to assist with leading group activities and presentations.

Once a month, beginning in September, these new youth leaders will travel throughout the county to experience the inner workings of local government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. The group will meet with community leaders to discuss challenges faced in the community and suggest proactive solutions.

UthMpact is the dynamic coalition of teen leaders committed to helping educate and deliver key substance abuse prevention messages to teens by their peers. Coalition goals for UthMpact are to provide positive community engagement; change community stereotypes about teen drug use by volunteering, informing and being educated; set examples for other teens; increase coalition membership and involvement in youth clubs in high schools; and positively encourage alcohol and tobacco prevention and cessation.

For additional information on the UthMpact Leadership Program, please call Veronica Awai at (863) 802-0777, visit www.uthmpact.com, or find UthMpact on Facebook.

UthMpact Leadership Class II Participants

Abraham Shannon - grade 11 - Bartow High School
Allen Demisha - grade 12 - Tenoroc High School
Benton Scott - grade 12 - Lakeland Christian
Chantharaisnh Jennifer - grade 11 - Tenoroc High School
Claussen Ryan - grade12 - Lakeland Christian
Crighton Alexus - grade12 - Lakeland Collegiate
Davis Coni - grade 11 - McKeel Academy
Everett Emily - grade 9 - IB Bartow
Fitzhugh Hannah - grade 11 - IB Bartow
Fredrick Rachel - grade 12 - Lake Gibson High School
Friedman Cayman - grade 12 - Lake Gibson High School
Henderson Mercedes - grade10 - Lakeland High School
Houston Destiny - grade 12 - Lake Gibson High School
Johnson Crimson - grade11 - George Jenkins High School
Jones Chandler - grade 11 - George Jenkins High School
Lopez Kritzia - grade 10 - Mulberry Senior High School
May Walker - grade10 - George Jenkins High School
McKinnish Jayme - grade 11 - Bartow High School
McKown Taylor - grade 12 - Auburndale High School
Muller Lucy - grade 11 - George Jenkins High School
Murray Orlando - grade12 - Lakeland Collegiate
Noris Delaney - grade 10 - Harrison School for the Arts
Odom Mallori - grade 10 - Lakeland High School
Pena Richard - grade 12 - Auburndale High School
Pincket Harrison - grade 12 - IB Bartow
Ramos Wildaly - grade 12 - Mulberry Senior High School
Reynolds Ashley - grade 12 - Winter Haven High School
Riley Davi'on - grade 11 - Lake Wales High School
Rivera Samuel - grade 12 - Haines City High School
Shipley Stephen - grade 11 - Kathleen High School
Sottilaro Nicole - grade 12 - Haines City High School
Sutton Sara Jayne - grade12 - Harrison School for the Arts
Villanueva Alex - grade12 - Winter Haven High School
Weathersby Samantha - grade 11 - Lake Wales High School
You Cody - grade 12 - Harrison School for the Arts

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.