March 01, 2022 - Harrisburg, PA
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith was joined by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, problem gambling treatment provider Empowerment Resources Associates, and an individual in long-term recovery from problem gambling to kick off March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.This year marks the 18th anniversary of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The National Council of Problem Gambling's reoccurring theme, Awareness + Action, is designed to increase public awareness of the availability of treatment and recovery services and encourage health care providers to screen clients for problem gambling."I encourage all Pennsylvania residents to learn about the signs of problem gambling and help spread the message that treatment and resources are available, and recovery is possible," said Secretary Smith. "By educating one another on these signs, you may be able to help a loved one or a friend get the help they need before their gambling turns into a more serious problem and negatively impacts their health or wellbeing."