The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention
Governor Kaine launches prevention initiative!
Click one of the buttons to see or hear the public service announcement.
Governor Kaine at the Prevention Comes First announcement.
Read the news release!
Governor Kaine announced Prevention Comes First, on June 9, 2006, to coordinate Virginia’s prevention-focused efforts, increase public awareness, and target resources to improve public safety, especially in the area of gang-related activity. Recalling the adage that it is "easier to build a boy than mend a man," this initiative will encompass a variety of efforts, throughout the developmental stages, to promote the strong, healthy development of Virginia’s youngest citizens. Click here for the press release.
More information on "Prevention Comes First" and its activities...
NEW!! 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, presended 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.
Go to the "Think!...Don't Drink" web page.
GOSAP SDFSCA GRANTS AWARDED FOR 2008-2009
The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP) is pleased to announce that the 2008-2009 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (SDFSCA) Grants have been awarded.
Information on the 2008-2009 SDFSCA grantees
Parent Guide to Personal Safety for Youth
The Parent Guide to Personal Safety for Youth was released on Monday, October 29, at the 2nd Prevention Comes First Conference in Richmond. This new guide replaces the very popular KIDsafe Parent Guides.
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.
This month in prevention
August is...
- Cataract Awareness Month
- National Immunization Awareness Month
- National Pain Awareness Month
- Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
- Medic Alert Month
Also this month...
- In Virginia, August 4-8, 2008, is Campus and School Safety Week.
- August 10-16, 2008, is National Health Center Week.
- August 22-29, 2008, is National Save Your Smile Week .
- August 1-7, 2008, is World Breastfeeding Week.
- August 5, 2008, is National Night Out: America's Night Out Against Crime.
- August 12, 2008, is International Youth Day.
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.