Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Problem Gamblers Awareness Day: September 29


What: Problem Gamblers Awareness Day

When: 10 a.m., Thursday, September 29

Where: Capitol steps in Salem

On July 20, 1995, Robert “Bobby” Hafemann took his own life. He left behind a family full of grief, sadness, and a lot of questions. His sister, Ronda Hatefi, became increasingly bothered by something Bobby had said in the note he left behind. He wrote he “felt like a ghost.” Many problem gamblers voice a similar statement. In 1995 there were not a lot of places for a problem gambler to go. Since his death, treatment and outreach for gambling has grown.

In the forefront of the movement to bring awareness to the public is Ronda Hatefi. She is the founder of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization (OGAO). Her hope is to strengthen the message that “gambling can become an addiction and if it does, there is hope and help.” She does not want another family to suffer the devastation of gambling that has impacted hers.

Each year since Bobby’s death, she has petitioned the Oregon Governor to proclaim September 29 as Problem Gamblers Awareness Day. For 15 years her request has been honored and, by doing so, Bobby's life has been honored. It is the anniversary of his birth. His death has become a day of hope for those hurting and suffering in silence the pains of gambling.

10:00 am on the state capitol steps -- read the rest of the news release here

Friday, July 15, 2011

2011 National Conference on Problem Gambling (NCPG) - Boston, MA

Boston was home to the 25th National Conference on Problem Gambling, the oldest and largest conference on problem gambling issues. The following photos are some highlights from the conference, beginning with July 1, when a group of people walked with Michael Korpi on the final leg of his cross-country walk to help increase awareness of problem gambling. Michael's "Walk Across America" is catalogued on his website MichaelWalksAmerica.com.



The two days of the conference that followed brought talks that included youth gambling, online gambling, a rousing discussion of what constitutes responsible gambling, recovery, social media, treatment approaches and much more.





thoughts or questions about the conference? Let us know in the comments.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Some stories around the state for Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 6-12:

"Problem Gambling Awareness Week: Know the Risks" (Keith Walker, LaGrande Observer, 3/9/11)

Video from KVAL-TV news story, 3/10/11 (or read the story here)



More stories and information about Problem Gambling Awareness Week is at the Oregon Problem Gambling Services' prevention website, http://www.problemgamblingprevention/opgaw.htm