Own the Upside is an initiative of the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties in Central Florida that was founded on a single idea: Celebrate the Positives!

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Unfortunately, most people have become accustomed to believing only the discouraging news, or the negatives we see and hear on television and in popular music lyrics. We tend to forget there are some incredibly encouraging positives to celebrate ... what we call the "Upside."

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Data collected through the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) tells us that most of our kids don't engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before our children reach adulthood. We can impact their future now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices.

 

Let's make it a point to focus on rewarding positive behaviors that will continue to inspire our youth to make smart and healthy decisions.

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