NYCPG PROCLAIMS THE START OF NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW YORK STATE

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is pleased to announce their participation in the Fourth Annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) taking place March 6-12.

During this week, Communities nation- and statewide are working to raise awareness of the consequences of problem gambling and the resources available for individuals whose gambling is causing disruption in their lives.

“Please look for public awareness events that are scheduled to take place in your community by local experts on problem gambling issues, prevention and treatment,” urged James Maney, NYCPG Executive.

“Information will be distributed to community leaders and the general public to educate them on problem gambling and to emphasize the positive outcomes of problem gambling prevention, education, research and treatment,” added Maney.

Information can include instructions on how community leaders can support the access to needed services for the problem gambler in their area, ads, posters, brochures, flyers, presentations, editorials and national screening day hosted by problem gambling professionals trained to assist problem gamblers and their families.

“A primary focus of this effort is to promote the fact that prevention, education, research and treatment services work,” said Maney. “Currently, there are 10 treatment programs and 11 prevention programs throughout the state of New York. National Problem Gambling Awareness week is a good time to bring attention to the need for an aggressive public awareness campaign throughout New York, as well as problem gambling prevention, education, treatment and research. To achieve these objectives a dedicated funding mechanism that is tied into increased gambling receipts needs to be built-in. A Problem Gambling Education and Treatment fund was established in 2001, but to date no money was ever put into it.”

Maney noted that calls to the New York Council on Problem Gambling Helpline have been on the rise and that of even greater concern is the fact that callers to the Helpline most likely represent only a small proportion of New Yorkers experiencing problems with gambling and not yet getting help.

Gambling is a treatable illness and help is available by calling NYCPG’s 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-437-1611 for immediate assistance.

For more information regarding NPGAW, please contact the Council at 518/427-1622 or council@nyproblemgambling.org.

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