Online Services | Commonwealth Sites | Help | Governor

Logo and Link for Prevention Comes First

Virginia achieved a grade of A- in the Government Performance Project’s “Grading the States 2008” report. Click to learn more.

Need help? Dial 2-1-1 to contact a free health and human service referral network.

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.

Wash your hands with soap and clean running water. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information. CStay home if you have flu symptoms. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information. Cover your nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information. Keep your sick kids home from school. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information.

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.

Link to sign up for emails

THINK ... DON'T DRINK - UNDERAGE DRINKING INITIATIVE

Logo for Think Don't Drink

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.

Go to the "Think!...Don't Drink" web page for a listing of the grant recipients, downloads of Guides and more information on the initiative.

Parent Guide to Personal Safety for Youth

Prevention Comes First 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:

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.

Learn more about the GOSAP Collaborative

Click on any link below to visit a member agency's web site or a bridge to their site.
Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Department of Education (DOE) Department of Social Services (DSS)
Department of Fire Programs (DFP) Virginia National Guard (VNG)
Department of Health (VDH) Virginia State Police (VSP)
Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF)

   

GOSAP reports to the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety;
Deputy Secretary Marilyn Harris serves as Director.