DHS poster calendar shows ills of problem gambling

DHS News Release December 26, 2007

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286 Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Thousands of Oregonians will be admiring the artistic endeavors of a dozen middle school students during 2008 on an Oregon Department of Human Services color calendar designed to increase awareness of problem gambling.




Approximately 75,000 Oregon adults experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

Earlier this year the DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division sponsored its fifth annual middle school poster contest to help students learn more about the risks of gambling and to alert parents and educators that problem gambling can be a serious health issue.

A dozen posters were chosen from several hundred entries submitted by students around the state. Many posters were created during Problem Gambling Awareness Week in March. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 were awarded to two teachers and the 12 students selected.

The student artists are (grade and school at time of submission listed):

• January: Megan Tilley, 7th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• February: Amy Senestraro, 6th grade, Ashland Middle School, Ashland


• March: Marissa Parr, 8th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• April: Julie Meyer, 8th grade, Heppner High School, Heppner


• May: Trace Byrd, 8th grade, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles


• June: Chandra Sinnott, 8th grade, Central Linn High School, Halsey
  
• July: Brianna Dweg, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles
  
• August: Katy Cheung, 8th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• September: Natalie Tolmachoff, 8th grade; Mark Twain Middle School, Silverton
  
• October: Jacob Young, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• November: Bailey White, 7th grade, Ontario Middle School, Ontario
  
• December: Sydney Sprague, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene

Ten thousand calendars were circulated to many local DHS offices, schools and community organizations and are available free of charge. Telephone 503.945.6187 for details.

Free problem gambling treatment is available statewide. To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, telephone 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions. More information about problem gambling is available on the DHS Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml#aware.

DHS will soon launch a similar search for art for next year's problem gambling awareness calendar. Middle schools and community groups working with middle school aged children will receive information in January. The deadline for the 2009 Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search will be March 21. An entry form is also available by calling 503-945-6187.

(Note to editors: Student calendar artwork is available in PDF format. Call 503.947.5286). ###

Additional note: all 12 winning posters featured in the 2008 calendar are also online at: http://www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling/ORpostergallery2007.htm

Article: "Gambling: no longer an adult hobby"

Sunday, December 9, 2007 4:31 AM PST
Gambling: no longer an adult hobby

By JESSICA KELLER (Ontario) Argus Observer [Read the full article here.]

ONTARIO - What are your children doing in their spare time?While typically considered an adult activity in the past, gambling is spreading to the younger age set, and the dangers of gambling are no longer just an adult concern.

Andrea Lockner, Lifeways prevention coordinator for Malheur County, said research and societal factors indicate more youth and teenagers are either gambling or becoming more susceptible to developing gambling problems earlier, making youth gambling awareness more important.

Children and teenagers are introduced to gambling every day, Lockner said, through teasers on the Internet to watching television. Poker has become the equivalent of a sport through broadcasts of poker tournaments on television channels, such as ESPN, and children see that and their perceptions of gambling can change. Lockner said she has even heard children say they want to become professional poker players when they grow up.

“For me, I think that was a whoa. That was surprising,” Lockner said...

[Read the remainder of article here.]

Video: "Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal"

Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal" is an award-winning eight-minute "Mythbuster" themed video featuring Oregon youth. The video is educating, entertaining, and easy to plug in to class discussions. For ordering information, contact Greta Coe, Resource & Technical Assistance Coordinator, Oregon Problem Gambling Services.