March 3, 2021 3:40 a.m.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

For the 19th year, Adapt is working in collaboration with the Oregon Health Authority’s Problem Gambling and Treatment Services Division and the Oregon Council for Problem Gambling to dedicate the month to increasing public awareness about problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

A release from Adapt said 1 in 37 Oregonians struggle with problem gambling, but stigma and shame may prevent people from seeking help. Greta Coe, Problem Gambling Services Manager with the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Systems Division said the department has expanded their efforts to build awareness that gambling is an activity that comes with risks. She said its crucial that both free-education and judgement-free treatment is available for those who develop gambling problems.

Cati Adkins, Prevention Program Manager at Adapt said, “We want people to know that they are not alone and that there is hope”.

Those who struggle with gambling can call 1-877-MY-LIMIT. To find out more about Problem Gambling Awareness Month go to: https://oregoncpg.org.

Cati Adkins will talk more about the issue on Inside Douglas County Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. on News Radio 1240 KQEN.