SD11 - Report of the Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention


Executive Summary:
The Governor's Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (GOSAP) has been successful in its endeavors. GOSAP established pursuant to Chapter 249 of the 2000 Acts of Assembly is charged with assisting the Governor "in the coordination of the substance abuse prevention activities of the Commonwealth, review substance abuse prevention program expenditures by agencies of the Commonwealth, and determine the direction and appropriateness of such expenditures."

GOSAP has assumed the responsibilities of the Governor's Office for Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities. The administration of Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities grants will continue uninterrupted.

Governor Gilmore appointed Benjamin W. Smith as Director. The Office consists of five additional staff members and is located in the Ninth Street Office Building, 202 N. Ninth Street, Richmond. The activities and accomplishments are as follows:

• Office is up and running, fully staffed, with activities underway.

• A web-based prevention data system, the first of its kind in the country, was launched in October 2000 with five communities participating in the pilot. System will roll out statewide in January 2001.

• The Virginia Substance Abuse Needs Assessment being conducted by the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services is underway. The three component studies will yield data critical to statewide planning efforts. GOSAP provides consultation and support to this effort. Study results are expected in June 2001.

• In October 2000, under the leadership of Governor Gilmore the Commonwealth received the coveted and highly competitive State Incentive Grant (SIG) from the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Virginia was one of only seven states to receive the grant this year. The $9.0 million grant will assist the Governor in revitalizing substance abuse prevention efforts in the Commonwealth by funding proven programs.

• The GOSAP web-site, http://www.gosap.state.va.usis to be officially launched by Governor Gilmore in December 2000.

• The Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP), conference, coordinated by GOSAP, helps community anti-drug teams fight drug use. The July 2000 conference drew 600 youth, adult sponsors and community leaders.

• In September 2000, two programs funded by Governor Gilmore through the Governor's Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grants received national attention with one being deemed a National Model program by the Federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.