|
|
|
The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
 |
Prevention Action Alliance... Our Thoughts
March
is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
March is a prime opportunity to increase awareness about the problems
caused by gambling and to advocate for support for those negatively
impacted.
An estimated $10 billion in bets will be placed on the NCAA basketball
championship games nationally. March is also the month with the highest
volume of calls to the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
Based on the Ohio Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey, approximately ten
percent of adults in Ohio have experienced problems related to gambling
with nearly one percent meeting the diagnostic criteria for a gambling
disorder. Sadly, gambling remains a hidden addiction for many,
resulting in devastating consequences such as financial ruin, damaged
relationships, and death by suicide.
Now is the time to raise awareness by sharing this information with
your community. Resources, including videos, quizzes, and a community
toolkit, are available at BeforeYouBet.org.
You can also take action by promoting the Ohio Problem Gambling
Helpline, 800.589.9966. Specialists are available 24/7 to provide help
and hope to both individual gamblers as well as their families.
We can mitigate harm and maximize effectiveness by working
collaboratively to raise awareness and taking action to address this
all too common issue.
This issue of Our Thoughts was written by Derek Longmeier, Executive
Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio.
|
|
|
|
