State and Community Coalitions Promote Awareness and Helpline Gambling is a popular form of entertainment for many Kansans. Planned expansion of casino gambling to Southeast Kansas, the fourth state owned venue, attests to the continued appeal of gaming and allure of upside economic impact it can bring to the host communities. There is, of course, another less appealing outcome: the harmful consequences for families when someone develops a gambling problem and the detrimental effects on personal finances and relationships, job loss, criminal activity, and even suicide. The stark contrast between those scenarios for communities and families warrants understanding the difference between responsible gambling and a gambling problem. That’s the premise of a statewide awareness campaign coordinated by the Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and the focus of a tool for gamblers and their families that is highly predictive of gambling behavior that can put them at risk. The Kansas Alliance For Responsible Gambling and Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling have partnered with the State of Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services to provide information to Kansans who gamble, problem gamblers, their affected and concerned friends and family, and the community coalitions devoted behavioral health prevention programs and problem gambling treatment services. A self-assessment tool being promoted in the campaign is referred to by behavioral and mental health professionals as the NODS (National Opinion Diagnostic Survey) CliP, three direct questions that are highly predictive of whether a gambler has crossed the line into a gambling disorder. Like other disorders, friends and family may recognize the warning signs before the disordered individual themselves. In either case, gamblers and their families are encouraged to take a moment for self-‐assessment that could mean the difference between gambling being an enjoyable form of recreation and the distress brought on by problem gambling. The “CLiP”questions revolve around problem gamblers’ obsession with gaming and trying to stop, cut down, or control their gambling; and lying about gambling behavior and losses. The NODS CLiP questions and other similar diagnostics help gamblers understand if they’re in the zone of responsible gambling or are dealing themselves a losing hand. Among the resources is a website www.ksgamblinghelp.com where the diagnostic questions can be found as well as links to statewide and community information and contacts for counseling. At the center of those resources is the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline 800-522-4700 where trained professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions about risks, treatment options, casino Voluntary Exclusion programs, and state reimbursement policy and resources for counseling professionals. For those who choose gambling as a form of recreation and their families it’s important to understand the warning signs that you or someone you care about might be at risk. These information channels are a convenient, confidential, and no-‐risk place to start. | |
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Knowing the difference between gambling, and having a gambling problem, is worth knowing. For example, have you ever tried to stop, cut down or control your gambling? Have you ever lied to family members, friends or others about how much you gamble or how much money you lost gambling? Have there been periods of two weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences or planning future gambling ventures or bets?
Click here to take a more detailed self-assessment now. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a gambling problem, no cost help is available by calling 800-522-4700. In commemoration of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Governor Sam Brownback commended community groups and statewide coalitions in Kansas that promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers and their families. In the proclamation, Brownback cited the Kansas Coalition Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane, and Kansas City. The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community stakeholders who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and provide problem gambling treatment services in their locales. “The volunteers who join the regional task forces make an invaluable contribution to ensure Kansas communities enjoy the economic benefits of state owned casino gaming while mitigating the potential negative consequences associated with all forms of problem gambling.” Task force volunteers represent multiple community sectors including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. To continue strengthening their capabilities and resources, the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services that administers the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund invites community stakeholders to get involved with these regional prevention efforts through KDADS or www.ksproblemgambling.com that contains contact information and links. Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic background and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole. These individuals, professionals and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling risk factors, the availability of treatment, and harnessing community resources so those exposed to the risks and negatively impacted by problem gambling can get the support they need. KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett echoed the Governor’s proclamation. “Kansas is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers across the state who work tirelessly in community outreach and developing local programs to mitigate the personal and social risks associated with problem gambling. The regional task forces bring perspective, community relationships, prevention and treatment expertise, and the ability to mobilize resources needed to engage community stakeholders and the Kansas families who are at risk.” Those risks are persistent so there’s an ongoing need for others across the spectrum in those communities to get involved by contacting their regional Problem Gambling Task Force. TOPEKA - Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation on February 25th to designate March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Kansas. Stakeholders who promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers Kansas participated in the ceremony.
Stakeholder groups involved in statewide problem gambling services include the Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane and Kansas City. The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community advocates who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and promote problem gambling treatment services in their areas. Task force volunteers represent multiple sectors of their communities, including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), which administers the Kansas Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund, invites members of the communities to get involved with these regional prevention efforts to continue strengthening their capabilities and resources. KDADS is sponsoring a comprehensive statewide media campaign to bring awareness of problem gambling to Kansas residents. The campaign theme, “Know Your Limits,” heads an approach using broadcast and print media, billboards, online advertising and various other forms of public outreach and social media. Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole. If any Kansan is concerned that gambling is causing a problem in their lives, they are encouraged to call 800-522-4700. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors ready to offer help. They can also go to www.ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. Treatment for problem gamblers and concerned others is paid using casino revenues with no out-of-pocket cost. For more information, contact: Angela de Rocha Director of Communications Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services 785-806-7482 Welcome/Updates: Problem Gambling Alliance – Report: Viewable at http://www.ksgamblinghelp.com Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling – Report: Viewable at http://ksproblemgambling.org The group is allowed to post our meeting information and minutes on the website. Financial Report: Group is still carrying a balance of $4700 that can be used for our efforts. Financial Report is attached. Committee Reports:
Other Business:
Members Present: The following members were present at the meeting.
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday in April, 4/14/11. Meeting was then adjourned.
Welcome/Updates: Jean Holthaus is actively looking to fill the SRS Coordinator position that will work with the community and taskforce to help further our efforts. They have already received applicants for this and funding has been received. Problem Gambling Alliance – Report: Viewable at http://www.ksgamblinghelp.com Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling – Report: Viewable at http://ksproblemgambling.org A handout was given of meeting notes from a meeting held by the Public Awareness Committee of activities planned for the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week as well as a sample of the proclamation that will adapted by the group. Financial Report: No Financial Report Committee Reports:
Other Business: Jane Longmeyer spoke about a home and leisure show being held March 4th and 5th and that Dodge City already has a booth. She stated that we could put out the brochures for the group or maybe a sheet telling about the group as a whole. It was decided to create a brochure to have for the show. Discussion was started over whether or not we would be doing the proclamation for the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. It was soon decided that we should do so. Jane spoke to the dates available for the next meetings being February 21st or March 8th. Although the 8th was during the week, it was decided to attend this meeting for the signing of the proclamation by the mayor. Jane volunteered to put it together on the correct paper and Debbie stated she would be available to attend the signing on the 8th at 7pm. She then asked for others to attend and said she would send out an invitation to the group. Further discussion followed about what else we wanted to do to recognize the week. Sharon volunteered to see if she could get some public service announcements on local radio stations and she agreed to check with Alma to see if we could get them done in Spanish as well. Members Present
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday in March, 3/10/11. Meeting was then adjourned.
Welcome/Updates: Debbie Snapp drew attention to an article that states how the new governor will be sweeping $35 million from casino gambling and redirect it to other means in order to balance the budget. SRS will be advertising for a coordinator in the area that will work with the taskforce to help further our efforts. They have already received funding for this. Problem Gambling Alliance – Report: Debbie stated that everyone can now access the report online at http://www.ksgamblinghelp.com to see what activities the Alliance is involved in. Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling – Report: The Coalition also has a website to review their report at http://www.ksproblemgambling.org . Debbie announced that Mike Deines is no longer with the KRGC. This means that there is also no one on the state committee that represents SW Kansas and she wanted to make sure everyone is aware of this. Financial Report: Debbie gave the financial report and submitted a P&L for everyone’s review. It states that the task force currently has $4,726.62 to use for future projects, brochures, etc. There may be more to come from the 2% tax but it has yet to be determined what, if anything, that will be. Committee Reports :
Debbie wanted everyone to go back to their committees and discuss further how to hone down the duties and set up some kind of prioritizing of the suggestions to present at the next meeting. Other Business: Debbie spoke about data collection and trends in gambling and that, according to Jean Holthaus, this is already in place and being collected. She reminded the group about the information that Kevin Ford gave out in the previous meeting in which he talked about a multitude of data that legislature needs to be hearing but that he can’t share due to confidentiality restrictions. Debbie opened up a discussion about how else we could gather this information and stated that we could make suggestions to Jean Holthaus of other topics that we wanted to cover. Debbie asked if there was a release that could be generated for Kevin’s patients to sign in which it allowed them to release the information but it wasn’t felt this would adequately cover the state since it would only be implemented at New Chance. Kevin spoke to a suggestion that Carol Spiker had given in which it was thought that law enforcement officials could add it to their questions and we could get some feedback that way. Frances suggested this could be expanded upon in the KCPC during the upcoming time that they are updating that material. Review of Vision Statement: “The Southwest KS Problem Gambling Task Force envisions united communities free from the harmful effects of problem gambling” was decided upon for the task force’s vision statement. Members Present: The following members were present at the meeting:
Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday in February, 2/10/11. Meeting was then adjourned.
Welcome/Updates: Debbie Snapp welcomed everyone to the meeting. She then asked for updates from the group. Alma Lares reported that she has been active with local churches to help get the word out regarding problem gambling. Denise reported that Ford County has had their first felony conviction centered on gambling. She stated that it was a Level 8 felony in which the person involved was caught cheating at the casino when he tried to manipulate a bet. The incident occurred in January, 2010 and was just now getting through the court system. Problem Gambling Alliance – Report: Debbie spoke to being a member of the Alliance and that she was no longer going to give updates on the meetings unless there is something that affects the Task Force. She went on to state that anyone can see the minutes and agenda from the meetings by going to the website: http://www.ksgamblinghelp.com. If interested, we can provide input to the Alliance on what information we would like to see on our page and can submit our minutes/agenda for posting to the page once it is able to be updated. Financial Report: Debbie stated that she would start providing the group with a monthly financial report. Currently, we have $3,000 - $4,000 leftover from last year’s funds that can be used as the group deems appropriate. Review of Strategic Planning Session: There was further discussion on what should be the name of the task force that was carried over from the strategic planning session held in November. It was decided that we would go with the name of Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force in order to properly reflect our member base. A mission statement was also part of the strategic planning session. It was further discussed before deciding on the following: Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force raises awareness and provides education to individuals, families, and communities to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. A motion was made and seconded to accept this as our mission statement. The organization of subcommittees was discussed within the strategic planning session. It was decided that we would start with the suggested subcommittees that were brought up in the strategic planning session. To start, we will have a 1) Public Relations/Marketing committee, 2) a Political Advocacy committee, 3) a Funding committee, 4) an Education committee and 5) a Special Events committee. Debbie passed around a sign-up sheet and asked everyone present to sign their names to a subcommittee that interested them. Patrick then raised the question of whether or not we could be considered as a non-profit organization to help with the funding needs. It was then decided that the subcommittee members would meet prior to our next meeting to define the role of their committee for the group. The subcommittee should define what they are wanting to work on for the next year, how they will meet these goals, and what roles the members will fill within the committees. This will be presented at the next meeting. Debbie also stated that she would email the lists out to the mass email grouping and see if other volunteers for the committees would step forward. It was determined that in establishing the roles/jobs of the Task Force, we would only have the champion and the Secretary. The lengths of terms will be reevaluated after a 1 year term. Debbie suggested that we did not have a need for a treasurer since the funds were being handled through her offices already. The floor was opened for volunteers to be the Secretary, which Kerry Kaiser volunteered to fulfill the duties. As Debbie had already accepted the champion role, there was not further discussion needed. A vision statement was also part of the strategic planning session, but it was tabled until the next meeting due to time constraints and the group not having the proper notes from the planning session to discuss the topic. Members Present: The following members were present at the meeting:
I. Introductions Carol Spiker was introduced to the group by Debbie Snapp. Carol then gave a short background on herself and a discussion of what she can bring to the training. Everyone else then introduced themselves, and spoke to why they were a part of the task force and what they hoped to achieve.
III. Defining the Group's Structure
IV. Framework for Community Change 1. Assess the community needs - when assessing the community, one should look for actual data (proof that the need exists):
3. Plan - what strategies or actions are needed to reach goal and intended outcomes? 4. Implement the plan - carry out the plan of actions/strategies. 5. Evaluate the outcome - were the results what we wanted? At the center of the framework is cultural competence and stustainability. Are we sensitive to the diversity in our community when as we develop our plan? Is our plan sustainable? Can we sustain what we have started or implemented? V. Strategic Planning Process 1. Who Are We?
2. What do we want to accomplish?
We tabled any further discussion until the next meeting in order to get group input and to select committee leaders prior to discussing benchmarks and timelines for tasks. Carol Spiker spoke about a curriculum that is available for purchase for 9th-12th graders, the "Wanna Bet" program for the younger students and a book called "Taking Back Your Life. She feels these are good resources and teaching tools that we should be aware of or may want to purchase. Meeting adjourned.Next Meeting: 2nd Thursday of December at 1:30 p.m.
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SW Kansas
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