Workshop entitled ‘Gambling: What’s the Problem?’ | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer

A training entitled Gambling: Whats the Problem? is being provided through Zoom video meeting software from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The presenters are Jeffrey Wierzbicki and Angela DiRosa. Wierzbicki is the team leader with the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center and serves as the point person for training and prevention activities and drives community relationship-building in order to advance problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery efforts throughout the Western New York region. Prior to his role with the Western PGRC, Wierzbicki directed federal and state programs for runaway and homeless youth, including allocating and advocating for funding and support.

DiRosa is the program manager with the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center. In addition to assisting with awareness and outreach efforts, she collaborates with mental health professionals to build a robust problem gambling service network and connects individuals being negatively impacted by problem gambling to the resources they need. Angela has worked in a similar field before joining the Western PGRC conducting training, advocacy and policy change with the state Bureau of Tobacco Control.

Problem gambling can be defined as any gambling that causes a problem in a persons life. While gambling is a widely-accepted activity in our community, problem gambling can cause personal, family and career issues. In some instances, problem gambling becomes an addiction called gambling disorder. Nearly 668,000 adults in New York state struggle with a gambling problem.

The program will give an overview of problem gambling and how it impacts many aspects of the community. Topics will include types of gambling, including online gambling; accessibility to gambling; warning signs of problem gambling; at-risk populations; problem gambling and suicide; impact of problem gambling and problem gambling treatment & resources

Community members interested in the topic are welcome and encouraged to attend. The course is also suitable for those seeking professional credentialing as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) or Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS). The one hour CPP/CPS (Section 1); CASAC-G/ CPP-G/ CPGC (Section 1), CPP/CPS/CASAC renewal hours are approved for initial credit hours and for CASAC/CPP/CPS renewal by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

To register, email WesternPGRC@nyproblegambling.org.

Since 1974, Prevention Works, a United Way partner agency, has provided social emotional learning and the prevention of risky behaviors in Chautauqua County school districts and the local community. Prevention Works is the only state OASAS approved and supported alcohol and other drug prevention agency in Chautauqua County. For information on future trainings offered by Prevention Works, contact Kathleen Colby, director of training services, at 664-3608, email kjcolby@preventionworks.us or visit Prevention Works website, http://www.preventionworks.us.

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Workshop entitled 'Gambling: What's the Problem?' | News, Sports, Jobs - Evening Observer