Local, State and National Leaders Convene to Mobilize Communities on Problem Gambling
The 13th Annual Problem Gambling: Everyone's Problem Conference will address the issue of problem gambling and discuss strategies at the individual, communal, and organizational levels. There will be panel discussions focusing on problem gambling in adolescents, college students, and special populations (minorities, elderly and disabled). Sessions with recovering persons will give real-life insight to the impacts of gambling addition and challenges related to recovery.
Altamonte Springs, FL (PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- Local, state and national leaders are convening today and tomorrow at the Grosvenor Resort in Lake Buena Vista to address the topic, "Problem Gambling: Everyone's Issue" and to devise a strategic plan of action to increase awareness at the community level across the State of Florida.
Joining the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling at its 13th Annual Conference will be Keynote Speaker Bill Janes, Director of the Florida Office of Drug Control, Lottery Secretary Leo DiBenigno, and leaders of prominent organizations and gaming industry members, including the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Federation of High School Associations, the U.S. Probation Office, the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, the Florida Certification Board, Seminole Casinos, Dania Jai-Alai, Derby Lane, and Isle of Capri Casinos.
Also participating will be local community based entities such as the Center for Drug Free Living in Orlando, The Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community, Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, Family and Children Faith Coalition in Dade, Gateway Community Services in Jacksonville, Broward County Human Services Department (Elder and Veterans Services Division), as well as treatment professionals, recovering persons and others.
"We are depending upon the active participation of all attendees throughout the course of the conference for their input in panel discussions and presentations leading up to the Roundtable Exchange - our Think Tank and foundation for formulating a strategic plan of action," explained Pat Fowler, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. "There are more than 500,000 Floridians struggling with the effects of a gambling problem and thousands more adversely affected. Problem gambling is treatable for those who seek help. Through the power of the collective, we can approach this problem from a community-based vantage point," advised Fowler.
The extensive two-day conference is an educational pathway featuring original work and insight into the world of problem gambling prevention, outreach and treatment. Nationally renowned trainer and clinician, Joanna Franklin, MS, NCGC-II, will be facilitating the forum, including the Roundtable Exchange. Also presenting is adolescent expert Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky of McGill University, and other highly-regarded specialists in the field. Panels will focus on problem gambling among adolescents, college students, special populations (minorities, women and elderly) and will feature recovering persons, who will share their roads to recovery.
Finally, the FCCG will announce special recognition awards of outstanding organizations and individuals for their leadership in establishing programs benefiting students, patrons, and the general public. Honorees include Thomas Hall, Director of Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Programming at the University of Central Florida; Orlando Sentinel reporter Mike Berry; Mardi Gras Gaming Vice-President, Daniel Adkins; the National Federation of State High School Associations; and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) educational and advocacy organization whose primary mission is to help persons adversely affected by problem and compulsive gambling. Established in 1988, the FCCG is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, is a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and maintains a neutral stance on the issue of legalized gambling. The FCCG is funded by the State of Florida and receives additional support from membership dues, training fees and donations.
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