National Recognition Confirms New York's Leadership In Problem Gambling Prevention,Treatment, Recovery Efforts

ALBANY, NY (06/27/2008)(readMedia)-- State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo will accept an award from the National Council on Problem Gambling for her leadership in addressing the issues of problem gambling affecting nearly one million adolescents and adults throughout New York.

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo was nominated by the New York Council on Problem Gambling for the National Government Award for her contributions to problem gambling prevention, treatment, recovery efforts. Her leadership efforts were characterized as "incredible" and her attitude "progressive" in a letter by Governor David A. Paterson, expressing his support for her nomination.

A recent survey released by OASAS found that 5 percent of New York State adults experienced problem gambling within the past year. "Addiction doesn't end with drugs and alcohol; problem gambling affects nearly one million New Yorkers, including 140,000 adolescents," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "When gambling interferes with a healthy and productive life, the damage to individuals and their families is as devastating as a chemical dependence. New Yorkers need to know that help for problem gambling is available."

A second award will be presented to Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo representing the "demonstrated superior achievement" of OASAS in addressing the issue of problem gambling. The nomination follows a statewide media campaign designed to increase public awareness that was launched during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 9-15.

Three notable efforts provided the basis for identifying and developing New York's first-ever statewide multi-media campaign for problem gambling encompassing radio, television, internet, and mass transit advertising.

A Policy Steering Committee comprised of prevention and treatment providers, special interest groups and OASAS staff developed recommendations to establish problem gambling as an identifiable, preventable and treatable disorder in New York State.

The results of two surveys assessing gambling behaviors among adults and adolescents laid the foundation for identifying the target audience and developing the campaign message.

Prevention and public awareness efforts were strengthened around underage gambling through the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the New York Lottery, underwriting the distribution of a 30-second underage gambling TV spot.

"Problem gambling is not limited to adults in New York State," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo. "One in every 10 adolescents in grades 7 through 12 is dealing with problem gambling. The statewide media campaign was designed to increase awareness of the warning signs associated with problem gambling and to encourage those struggling with a gambling addiction to seek help."

Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo will accept both awards on June 27, 2008 at the National Conference on Problem Gambling in Long Beach, California.

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services programs, with 1,550 prevention and treatment providers which serve 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day.

To learn more about the warning signs of problem gambling in New York State, please call the problem gambling hotline at 1-800-437-1611. For information or assistance with an alcohol or substance abuse problem in New York State, call the addictions helpline at 1-800-522-5353 or go to the OASAS Web Site at www.oasas.state.ny.us.

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