March is problem gambling awareness month

by Jennifer Cheney, Community Prevention Specialist

The Hot Springs County Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5-8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.

The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.

The Hot Springs County Prevention Coalition will be sharing information and resources on their social media page (facebook.com/hotspringscountyprevention) to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling. Resources are also available in the Public Health Lobby.

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit http://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

 About the Hot Springs County Prevention Coalition: The Hot Springs County Prevention Coalition is a community coalition made up of caring individuals and business/organization members working together to bring positive change to our community. Our mission it to enhance community health and well-being for Hot Springs County youth, families, and adults. Our efforts focus on mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, and preventing and reducing the misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

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 http://www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.