Melanie Blasko, President & CEO
E-Mail: mblasko@lgrc.us
Phone: 440.205.2674
Fax: 440.255.6348
Alternate: Lillian Kingston Development Officer
Phone: 440.205.2671
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3.13.2024
Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Lake and Geauga County (3-13-2024) – Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). PGAM is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling. The prevalence of problem gambling in Ohio is 2.8%, which is an estimated 254,729 individuals among the Ohio adult population of 9,193,508.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage Lake and Geauga Counties in a dialogue about the impact of gambling-related issues on individuals and their families. This annual observance provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of support services for those affected. Services at Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers are essential in addressing the pervasive issues of problem gambling in our community. As a trusted resource, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers provides crucial support services for individuals and families affected by problem gambling, offering counseling, education and resources to promote healing and recovery.
“By raising awareness and providing accessible treatment options, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers plays a vital role on helping individual regain control of their lives and rebuild healthy relationships,” said Melanie J. Blasko, President and CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers stands behind initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Assistance for problem gambling remains readily available and free in Lake and Geauga counties, not only during March but throughout the entire year.
During March, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers has a series of impactful events and initiatives aimed at educating the public and fostering conversations about problem gambling. These events include a presentation at the Geauga County Safety Council, performing gambling screens at local colleges and hospitals each week, providing information to the community through local businesses about gambling awareness for those in need, and working with local coalitions to provide insight into problem gambling.
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. For more information about problem gambling call 440.255.0678 or visit www.lgrc.us.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling:
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. 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. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.