Groton Alliance for Substance use Prevention (GASP)

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Our Mission

To promote community wellness through evidence-based prevention and health promotion strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GASP a 501(c)(3)? We are a program of LLHD, a non-profit Unit of Government, not a 501(c)(3). GASP does not have our own non-profit status.

How is GASP funded? We are currently funded by Federal and State grants. They are mostly competitive grants and can range from 6 months to 5 years. We are currently funded by the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (CT DMHAS) PCC Part B grant focused on Underage Drinking Prevention and SERAC’s Local Prevention Council Grant (per capita based) focused on Vaping Prevention.

How is GASP structured? GASP is Coordinated by one full-time LLHD Staff Person (grant requirement), and one part-time (10-15hrs) Youth Peer Advocate (grant requirement). Membership is free and voluntary. You can join GASP by just joining the E-mail Contact List.

National, State, and Local Mental Health Resource List

GASP Parent Prevention Pledge

Dr. Drew’s Cameo Shout out for GASP and Take it To The Box (2020)

GASP Event Highlights

GASP Sponsored Youth-Led PSA’s

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GASP was formed in July 1999 to address substance abuse in our community among our youth population (12-20 years of age). The coalition represents a collaboration of several dedicated local agencies, parents, teens, and other interested community members:

  • Boys & Girls Club
  • Child & Family Agency
  • Children First Groton
  • Community Speaks Out
  • Community of Hope
  • Connecticut Clearinghouse
  • Country Glen Apartments
  • Ella T. Grasso Technical School
  • Groton City & Town Police Departments
  • Groton Elks
  • Groton Human Services
  • Groton Parks & Rec. Department
  • Groton Public Library
  • Groton Public Schools
  • LEARN
  • Ledge Light Health District
  • Life Happens, LLC
  • Mystic Arts Center
  • Mystic Therapy
  • Natchaug Care Plus
  • NLON Sub Base Youth Center
  • Parents
  • Project Courage
  • Quantitative Services
  • Safe Futures
  • SCADD
  • SERAC
  • School-Based Health Center
  • Shine a Light on Heroin
  • STEPS, Inc.
  • Students
  • The Connection-Mother’s Retreat
  • Tri-Circle Inc

GASP is funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and SERAC.

Become a Member

Become a member of the Groton Alliance for Substance Use Prevention! Make a difference in the lives of Groton youth. Contact Carolyn Wilson at 860-446-3062 or cwilson@llhd.org for more information.


Delaying Alcohol Use Onset

Tips for Keeping Your Teen’s Party Alcohol-Free

    • Work with your teen on a guest list ahead of time and set a limit on the number of attendees.
    • Ask teens to leave purses or backpacks in locked cars or at the front door. Discourage teens from going back and forth from your home to their cars.
    • Lock up any alcohol in your home
    • Provide plenty to keep them entertained. Use TV, swimming pool, video games, karaoke machines, etc.
    • Provide plenty of space for them to hang out comfortably where you can see them but not hover over them.
    • Do not use a punch bowl or pitcher.
    • Monitor behavior by circulating your home and interacting with teens.
    • Never let a teen you believe to be impaired drive home.

For more information, visit bethewall.org

Prevention News

Annual Reports

Survey Reports

Helpful Resources