March is Washington Problem Gambling Awareness Month

    OLYMPIA, WA, March 05, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) in collaboration with Washington Health Care Authority's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery are partnering to raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available to those adversely affected by problem gambling and gaming in Washington State.

The "Pause. Breathe. Connect." campaign theme for Problem Gambling Awareness Month -- March 2020, is designed to raise awareness and help those affected to take the first step and make a connection for information and treatment services by calling the Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-547-6133. The confidential Helpline is available 24/7 and accessible by phone, text, or chat.

"Everything we do at ECPG is about building relationships and making connections to serve and support individuals, families, and communities," said Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. "Whether it's working with diverse populations to reduce barriers and stigma and promote healthy choices, or coordinating trainings statewide for problem gambling counselors, we strive to make awareness, treatment, and recovery visible and accessible.

The "Pause. Breathe. Connect." theme is an extension of that. We want everyone to know about the effects gambling addiction can have, to recognize the signs, and for those in need to know -- you are not alone. Make the first step by calling the Helpline. There is hope, there is help, and there are resources available," Greeley said.

Approximately 2 million (1%) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for gambling addiction, and another 4-6 million (2%-3%) would be considered within the full spectrum of gambling addiction.

Governor Inslee has proclaimed March as Washington Problem Gambling Awareness Month (#PGAM). The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling, which first developed the National Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign. PGAM campaigns across the nation bring together the coordinated efforts of 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.

"With the expansion of E-sports, online and mobile gaming apps and the likelihood that sports betting will be legalized, the WA State Problem Gambling Program, ECPG, and other partners are coming together to evaluate and recommend improvements to ensure access to problem gambling prevention, awareness, treatment and recovery resources for all WA State residents," stated Roxane Waldron, MPA, Problem Gambling Program Manager at the Washington Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health Programs.

About Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is committed to providing services and programs for problem gamblers, their families, employers, students, treatment professionals, and the greater community through gambling addiction treatment support, information and education, advocacy, research, and prevention efforts.

For more information visit: https://evergeencpg.org

About the Washington State Health Care Authority

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

For more information visit: https://hca.wa.gov/

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