About Graves County ASAP 

Local problems require local solutions.

Graves County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (GCASAP) is a local coalition committed to building a healthier, safer community through substance use prevention, education, and advocacy. 
That’s why Graves County ASAP is rooted right here in our community—because no one knows our challenges better than the people living them every day. From youth vaping and fentanyl risks to mental health stigma and generational trauma, we believe prevention starts with local leadership, youth voices, and trusted partnerships. 

We work collaboratively across schools, parents, law enforcement, healthcare providers, faith leaders, youth, and other community sectors to reduce the impact of substance misuse and promote positive mental health for all residents—especially our youth.

Graves County ASAP is one of 120+ local boards under the umbrella of the Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (KY-ASAP). Established by the KY General Assembly in 2000, KY-ASAP empowers counties to create grassroots, data-informed, community-led strategies to address substance misuse and its impact.

Mission Statement: To prevent and reduce youth and adult substance misuse in Graves County by promoting education, prevention strategies, and community-based solutions.

Our Focus Areas

• Substance Use Prevention (alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, opioids)

• Youth Engagement & Empowerment

• Mental Health Awareness

• Community Education & Outreach

• Policy Change and Environmental Strategies

What We Do

• Host youth-led initiatives like You are Loved, Friday Night Done Right, and the Tobacco-Free Youth Summit

• Provide prevention education in schools and communities

• Organize trainings, summits, and speaker events

• Coordinate the GCASAP Youth Council, empowering young leaders to take action

• Partner with local agencies to support families and build resilience

• Strategic Prevention Framework	Definition	Graves County Example
  1. Assessment	Identify substance use problems and community needs	– KIP survey shows rise in youth vaping- Interviews with school staff & youth
  2. Capacity	Build resources, relationships, and readiness to act	– Recruit youth for Youth Council- Train staff and volunteers- Engage sectors
  3. Planning	Develop data-driven strategies with clear goals	– Plan FNDR, Youth Events, Summit- Create annual prevention calendar
  4. Implementation	Carry out the programs and strategies	– Host events, lead school presentations- Social media campaigns & community outreach
  5. Evaluation	Measure effectiveness and improve efforts	– Event surveys- KIP data tracking- Adjust plans based on youth feedback