News and Events (Scroll to see stories)
As a leader in the Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling field, ECPG has its hands in a wide variety of news and events. Here are the latest happenings.
Recent News Releases:
Washington Students Embark on Amazing Race to Raise Awareness
Projects receiving funding from the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling include:
Maple Valley Youth Council, Maple Valley Community Center: An “Amazing Race” event for 15 to 30 youth/youth and adult teams.
V.O.I.C.E. Youth Coalition, a United Hospitals youth program: A 60-second youth public service announcement for the Skagit Valley area.
Mossyrock Jumpstart Program (Mossyrock Junior High and Educational Service District 113, Olympia): A short dramatic video promoting www.addictionisagamble.com, the Evergreen Council’s new youth Website.
The project receiving funding from DBHR is:
“A Positive Message for Life” and Spanaway Junior High School students: An informational classroom video featuring junior high students and La Mar Hudson, Pierce County music and prevention specialist.
“Last year’s arts awareness projects were outstanding in their ability to reach youth with important messages about healthy choices and risky behaviors, and we are pleased to be able to offer this program again,” said Maureen Greeley, executive director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. All three projects funded in 2009 can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/Evergreencpg .
“We agree. No one speaks to youth better than youth,” added Linda Graves, DBHR problem gambling program manager. DBHR manages a Website for parents at www.notagame.org.
Young people are exposed to many forms of gambling and, in Washington, reports indicate that more than 8% of youth are at risk for developing a gambling problem. It may start with an occasional bet between family and friends, but some young people get carried away. Youth who experience gambling problems may also experience problems with alcohol and drugs or suffer from depression.
Gambling problems can be treated. Many people have been helped through problem gambling counseling (referrals in Washington are available through the 24/7 Helpline: 800.547.6133) and support through Gambler’s Anonymous (visit www.evergreencpg.org for Washington’s list of GA meetings).
For more information, contact Rhonda Stone, Community Education Coordinator, Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, at 360.352.6133 or rstone@evergreencpg.org or Linda Graves, Problem Gambling Program Manager, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.