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The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention
Results of GOSAP College Campus Safety and Violence Prevention Public Service Announcement Challenge Announced
Governor Bob McDonnell and First Lady Maureen McDonnell announced that an entry submitted by students at Longwood University is the winner of the College Campus Safety and Violence Prevention Public Service Announcement Challenge. The challenge, hosted by the Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP), was open to all students enrolled at any Virginia public, private, four-year, or two-year college or university. The winning video is called "It Only Takes One Night to Change Your Life," created by Max Duchaine, Kendall Beebe, and Leigh Cupitt of Longwood University. In second place was "STOP LISTEN CARE," submitted by Wytheville Community College. In third place was "VI Against Violence," submitted by Virginia Intermont College.
View the press release...
As a follow up to the success of Virginia’s first anti-gang video, ‘The Wrong Family,’ the Office of the Attorney General identified a need to create a video for kids. After careful collaboration with law enforcement and psychologists, ‘The Big Lie’ was produced in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Substance Abuse Prevention to expose the dark reality of gangs preying upon our children through lies and manipulation. The video is a frank and unscripted documentary and presents an extraordinary opportunity for pre- and early teens to learn about the false promises gang members make to lure them into their ranks. The video features gang members, law enforcement, and children who speak directly to the audience about gang recruiting methods, specific ways kids can avoid joining a gang, and most importantly, lifestyle choices to help them stay away from gangs. Educating our youth about the ugly truth behind gangs and ways to stay away from gang life, gives them the tools necessary to make positive choices.
Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF- SIG) Strategic Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia
GOSAP is pleased, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the VCU Center for School-Community Collaboration, to distribute the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF- SIG) Strategic Plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) provides funds for the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grants (SPF-SIGs). The purpose of the SPF-SIG program is to provide funding to States, Federally recognized Tribes and U.S. Territories in order to:
- Prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse, including childhood and underage drinking;
- Reduce substance abuse-related problems; and
- Build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the state, tribal, territorial and community-levels.
Based on a state-wide needs assessment, The SPF SIG Advisory Council agreed that the priority for the SPF SIG program in Virginia is to reduce motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) involving alcohol-impaired drivers who are between the ages of 15 and 24 years. The Strategic Plan reviews the epidemiological needs assessment that was completed in coming to this decision, the funding mechanism that will be utilized to allow communities to complete the five steps of the SAMHSA/CSAP SPF at the community-level, and the evaluation model for the project.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) outlined in the Strategic Plan will be released at a later date once SAMHSA/CSAP approval of the RFP has been obtained. Release of this RFP will be posted on this site, as well as widely distributed.
Please click on the link below for the Strategic Plan. A hard copy of the Strategic Plan may be requested by writing or emailing: Joy Harris, VCU Center for School-Community Collaboration, VCU Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284-2020, <ljharris@vcu.edu>
View the plan...
Parent's Guide to Underage Drinking
It's a fact. New research shows alcohol affects a teenager's developing brain differently than an adult's. Every parent's top priority is ensuring that their child is safe at home, at school and in the community. Unfortunately, one of the greatest threats to our children remains the danger of underage drinking, as alcohol continues to be the drug of choice for many young people. I hope you will take the time to read the enclosed information and share it with other parents in your community.
View the guide...
2010-2011 GOSAP SADFSCA Awards Announced
The recipients of the 2010-2011 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (SADFSCA) Grant Program have been announced. Notices to applicants have been issued. GOSAP SADFSCA grant programs are intended to supplement the SADFSCA funds that flow directly from the Virginia Department of Education to every local school division for youth substance abuse, gang involvement and violence prevention programming. For this award cycle, an emphasis has been placed on programs which target prevention of gang involvement. For a complete listing, please go to the 2010-2011 GOSAP SADFSCA grantees page.
THINK ... DON'T DRINK - Underage Drinking Initiative
In 2008, the "Think!...Don't Drink" campaign was launched 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.
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.
In November 2006, the GOSAP Collaborative was formally established, 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.
