Groton Alliance for Substance use Prevention (GASP)

Find Us @ Groton_Prevents

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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

For a list of resources, click here!

GASP Parent Prevention Pledge

Take the Pledge! Click here!

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.