<2005 Red Ribbon Pictures>

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ABOUT ASAP:

ASAP's goal is to educate parents, youth and citizens of Rapid City and the Black Hills about alcohol drug abuse.

Effective prevention involves the entire community

… Where do you fit in?

ASAP's philosophy:

Our children have a right to grow up in a drug free environment. Parents have the responsibility to be informed about substance abuse, to communicate to their children a clear and firm "no use" position about drugs and alcohol, to set an example for their children, to use consistent discipline combined with love and caring.

Communities, schools and parents have an obligation to provide a drug free environment for all youth. Elected and appointed officials have a responsibility to be informed, to enforce laws as written, and support new laws.

History:

ASAP began in 1985 as a grassroots coalition to address the increase of adolescent substance abuse in Rapid City. ASAP became a 501( c )3 tax-exempt organization in 1986 and is a non-profit registered with the State of South Dakota.

ASAP's first major accomplishment was to plan and organize the construction of the St. James Street House, the only adolescent halfway house in Western South Dakota. The coalition raised $100,000 in in-kind donations from the community.

Over the years, ASAP has sponsored several alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention activities such as Red Ribbon Celebration since 1988, a resource and referral manual, Drug Free Zone signs at area schools, youth conferences and community forums.

ASAP continues to be active in the Rapid City community but needs your help and involvement.

Coalition Members:

Like other coalitions, the membership of ASAP grows and shrinks as issues and activities arise and are completed. At times, 1,400 volunteers have helped during the Red Ribbon Campaign.

Current active members include:

  • City/County Alcohol and Drug Programs
  • Rapid City Area Schools' Youth Development Office
  • South Dakota National Guard Drug Demand Reduction
  • Ellsworth AFB Drug Task Force
  • South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
  • Mayor's Office
  • Rapid City Police Department
  • Medicap Pharmacy
  • Pennington County Sheriff's Office
  • Rural America Initiatives
  • Chiesman Center
  • Institute for Educational Leadership & Evaluation
  • Youth & Family Services - Western Prevention Center
  • Methamphetamine Awareness Prevention Project of South Dakota
  • Lifeways, Inc.
  • CCPC - Campuses Community Prevention Coalition
  • Rapid City Character Counts Coalition
  • 97.9 The Point radio