The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention
Prevention Comes First
SPECIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SWINE FLU
The human swine flu outbreak presents a challenging situation across the country and internationally. Swine flu in the United States is believed to be a result of sustained human to human transmission.
Virginia has a strong public health system and is well prepared to address the current situation. For example, tracking mechanisms are in place to identify individuals who have traveled to areas where they may have come in contact with the virus. Also, our local health districts are actively engaged in our response and are working closely with health care providers in their areas.
As citizens, you should take precautions. Review your emergency plans at home and at work. Share Virginia's public health messages with friends and family. The Virginia Department of Health encourages anyone with influenza-like illness to follow these standard guidelines:
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- If you think you require medical attention, call your health care provider in advance so that they can take the necessary infection control precautions prior to your arrival.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
In addition, you should continue to monitor this fluid situation by accessing the latest information on the Virginia Department of Health's Web site, and on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's swine flu page.
2009-2010 GOSAP SADFSCA GRANT AWARDS ANNOUNCED!
The awards for the 2009-2010 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (SADFSCA) Grants have been announced. 22 grants have been awarded covering a wide area of the Commonwealth. Find out more about the 2009-2010 grant recipients.
THINK ... DON'T DRINK - UNDERAGE DRINKING INITIATIVE
Governor Kaine has announced the launch of the "Think!...Don't Drink" campaign to reduce underage drinking in Virginia. This initiative, presented by the Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP) and the GOSAP Collaborative, is part of the Governor's Prevention Comes First initiative, and offers award opportunities, publications and a public service announcement to be distributed statewide. Read the Governor's press release.
Two underaged drinking publications, "A Community Guide for Preventing and Reducing Underage Drinking" and "A Parent Guide to Preventing Underage Drinking," have been published and are available as downloads or in print from ABC stores.
Parent Guide to Personal Safety for Youth
The Parent Guide to Personal Safety for Youth was released on Monday, October 29, 2007, at the 2nd Prevention Comes First Conference in Richmond. This new guide replaces the very popular KIDsafe Parent Guides and is available as a download or in print at local fire and/or rescue departments or DMV offices.
Get more information on the Parent Guide, including how to get copies.
Executive Directive 4 (2006)
In November 2006, Governor Tim Kaine formally established the GOSAP Collaborative, giving it specific powers and duties concerning:
- collaboration to enhance capacity, improve efficiency and produce results;
- infrastructure to sustain and integrate prevention into practice; and
- data to target resources and monitor results.
Read Executive Directive 4 (2006).
Virginia's agencies collaborate to make a difference!
Logo for the GOSAP Collaborative
Thirteen agencies in Virginia have responsibility for one or more aspects of prevention. These agencies comprise the GOSAP Collaborative to improve communication, build agreement, cooperate and work as partners, share resources, and increase consistency to simplify processes and increase accountability in prevention practice. These agencies must work together because research shows that the factors that put a child at risk for one problem behavior put them at risk for other problems too. But research also shows that increasing protective factors like healthy beliefs and clear standards, bonding, meaningful opportunities, skills and recognition will build strong citizens to keep Virginia moving forward.
GOSAP reports to the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety;
Deputy Secretary Marilyn Harris serves as Director.