Centerstone to highlight problem gambling in regional events
Centerstone, a national provider of behavioral health care, is collaborating with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling to dedicate March to helping people “have the conversation” about problem gambling.
“Not only will we be spotlighting Centerstone’s gambling disorder services, but we will also strive to increase public awareness of problem gambling, reduce stigma, and let everyone know that help and hope are available,” said Andrea Quigley, clinical director at Centerstone.
Approximately 2 million (1 percent) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling, another 4-6 million (2 percent to 3 percent) would be considered problem gamblers. For many, gambling remains a hidden action.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign, now in its 15th year, brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
Centerstone’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month activities include:
• Teal Problem Gambling Awareness Month ribbons available for everyone from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday throughout March at:
o Centerstone, 2311 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale
o Centerstone, 1307 West Main Street, Marion
• Problem Gambling Awareness Month yard signs available for area businesses, organizations, etc. throughout the month of March. To receive your sign, call Angela Quigley-Ragland, Centerstone Clinical Coordinator, (855) 608-3560, ext. 7975.
• Problem and Compulsive Gambling Symposium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at The Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion. All participants must register at https://030420.eventbrite.com.
• Gambling Disorder Screening Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at:
o Centerstone, 2311 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale
o Centerstone, 1307 W. Main St., Marion
The gambling disorder screening will take approximately five minutes to complete. Food and drinks will be available for all those completing the screening.
To get help for a gambling problem for you or a loved one, call 1 (800) 522-4700. The call is free and confidential. For more information about problem gambling and how to have the conversation, go to www.ncpgambling.org/pgam or www.centerstone.org/centerstonehelps.
