Council Column

The third annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) — a grass-roots campaign intended to send a positive, nonjudgmental message of "Hope and Help" for problem gamblers and their families — will be held March 6-12.

All organizations, especially gaming companies, are encouraged to participate in the week. A free tool kit has been developed and is being distributed to participating organizations and to the public through a dedicated Web site. The materials include a 30-second video Public Service Announcement (PSA), radio PSA scripts, posters, brochures, sample editorials, press releases and proclamations. Participants are encouraged to adapt these materials if needed or to utilize their own existing material to disseminate during the week. 

The mission of NPGAW is to educate the general public and medical professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally. One specific target of the week is to engage health care professionals who come into contact with the public, including doctors, nurses, counselors and social workers, about pathological gambling. Because this disorder often co-occurs with other problems, including both physical and mental problems, it is imperative that the medical community be involved screening and assessing clients for this disorder. Such broad-based efforts are critical components of a public health model to combat problem gambling.  

Participation in the week has grown steadily since it began in 2003. A total of 52 organizations participated in events in 24 states during the first year, and last year there were events in more than 30 states.   

The 19th Annual Conference on Prevention, Research and Treatment of Problem Gambling will be held June 23-25 at the Hotel Monteleone, located in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Confirmed speakers include Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitchell Landrieu and Joe Pursch, M.D. 

Pursch, perhaps best known for his work with Betty Ford, will examine the future of the addiction treatment field in a presentation that is both entertaining and intellectually challenging. As director of the Alcohol Rehabilitation Service at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif., from 1973 to 1980, Pursch treated Betty Ford, Billy Carter and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Since 1980, he has treated numerous other public figures, celebrities and professional athletes, including those who have struggled with gambling problems. Pursch has conducted seminars and lectures worldwide and has appeared on network television programs including "60 Minutes," "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Prime Time Live" and "The Phil Donahue Show." He has written numerous articles and papers in the scientific and lay press and is the author of the book Dear Doc. Among other honors, he is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal from the president of the United States.

For upcoming conference information, visit the National Council's Web site.