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






