Melanie Blasko, Pres. & CEO
E-Mail: mblasko@lgrc.us
Phone: 440.255.0678
Fax: 440.255.6348
Alternate: Lillian Kingston, Development Officer
Phone: 440.205.2671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date 12.11.23
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers Joins 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign
to Raise Awareness of Youth Gambling Risks
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers proudly announces its participation in the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“We are glad to be participants in this Holiday Campaign to raise awareness around seemingly innocent gifting. Research shows that youth gambling can lead to more severe gambling disorders later in life and has been shown to be linked to other addictive behaviors such as smoking, drinking and drug use. Which is why is why we feel so strongly about joining in the message of the Gift Responsibly Campaign.” Said Melanie Blasko, President and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Center.
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers believes prevention is a planned process of approaches and activities specifically designed to preclude the onset of gambling. Through education we can raise awareness with the help of the Gift Responsibly Campaign.
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers has signed on to the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant. During November and December, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers has signed on to the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant and will work diligently to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use via social media.
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”
Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers is a private, nonprofit agency providing continuous service to the community since 1971. Services at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers are made possible due to the generous support of the Lake County ADAMHS Board, the Geauga Board of MHRS, and United Way of Lake & Geauga Counties.
If you have any questions about problem gambling please call Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers at 440.255.0678.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.