Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) just came to a close, making it the perfect time to reflect back on our own involvement in the month-long campaign to increase awareness about the risks of gambling, reduce stigma, and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Notable contribution to PGAM included attendance at the 4th Annual Behavioral Health Summit, where Kindbridge lead a discussion around problem gambling and its intersection with behavioral health. You can view more about the event here. The other – being featured here today – was a less formal but no less important affair aptly titled the Problem Gambling Awareness (Un)Conference.
Hosted by Sunrise Community in North Carolina, the participant-driven affair addressed problem gambling through open dialogue, rather than traditional presentations. It connected peers, counselors, and community leaders to share solutions and reduce the stigma surrounding one of America’s fastest growing behavioral health concerns. The unconventional event brought together a diverse collective of advocates, clinicians, policymakers, and those in recovery, refreshingly featuring real conversations and interactive learning. Mike Sciandra, Executive Director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, kicked things off as the Keynote Speaker. Sciandra set a captivating tone that cleared the path for expert insights from powerful and inspiring speakers along with activities, great food, swag bags (provided by Kindbridge!) and a few surprises that kept all in attendance informed and engaged.
Instead of our usual highly-detailed breakdown, we thought it more appropriate to showcase the (un)conference with a fun photographic summary of the event. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more as Kindbridge continues involvement in important gatherings relating to problem gambling through all days, weeks, and months of the year (and years) to come.
*Appreciation to the Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, Center of Excellence for Gambling Addiction Policy & Practice at APNC, TELUS Health, and NCDHHS for putting this event together!