March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
BLACKSBURG, VA — New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. In the U.S. 2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year. Another 5–8 million (2–3%) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems. Additionally, in the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior.
“Our community isn’t defined by its challenges; it is defined by how we respond,” notes Mike Wade, Coordinator of Community Wellness and Outreach at NRVCS. “When we come together with compassion, understanding, and proactive solutions, we can effectively address gambling-related harm and help shape stronger futures.”
A Community-Driven Approach to Awareness and Support
Throughout March, NRVCS will lead local efforts focused on increasing public understanding of problem gambling and ensuring individuals are aware of the available prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services in their community.
The latest episode of NRVCS’ podcast, “Voices of Hope” featured a conversation with a nationally recognized expert on problem gambling. You can find that by visiting nrvcs.org/podcast. The local agency has utilized state funds to advertise the “Beyond the Bet” campaign on local television, streaming platforms, and the digital billboard on Memorial Bridge in Radford.
NRVCS staff will be providing a presentation on problem gambling to the Pulaski County TRIAD group later this month, as well as attending a statewide conference focused on the issue on March 25.
The NRVCS Board of Directors adopted a proclamation at their February meeting recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. NRVCS has requested that local governing bodies in the New River Valley consider doing the same.
These efforts reflect a simple truth: when community comes together — friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers — silence is replaced with support, and isolation is replaced with connection. To learn more about problem gambling, please visit the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health’s website at https://dbhds.virginia.gov/problem-gambling-support/ or you visit NCPGambling.org/FAQs
NRVCS encourages local media, partners, and residents to join the effort by sharing resources, uplifting stories of those in recovery, and helping connect people to available support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, the National Problem Gambling HelplineTM offers free, confidential support 24/7:
Call 1-800-MY-RESET
Text 800GAM
Chat atwww.NCPGambling.org/chat.
