CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – The Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5 to 8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.

The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.

During the month of March, AICDAC will be hosting keynote speaker Jamie Jones at the Clarion Drug-Free Coalition March 28th, 10:00 a.m. meeting. Jones, a retired Pennsylvania State Police Officer with the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, will be giving an update on gambling trends and laws in Pennsylvania. The presentation is open to anyone virtually or in person at the Clarion YMCA. Please email [email protected] to RSVP.

The Clarion Drug-Free Coalition (CDFC) is a combined effort of concerned community members, agencies, organizations, law enforcement, parents, and faith groups. A project of Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, the coalition is an important part of making the picture of a drug-free community come to life.

The CDFC seeks to prevent and reduce substance use and addiction among our youth and young adults by empowering and encouraging parents, youth, young adults, the government, and the community through education, resources, and awareness. The CDFC believes that every child and young adult in the communities of Clarion County will have the knowledge, opportunity, and support to make the choice to grow up drug and alcohol-free.

Success has been seen in communities where coalitions such as CDFC exist. Communities working together works! CDFC is tackling the substance use issue with a comprehensive approach such as an informative website, distribution of educational brochures, drug and alcohol-free alternative activities, professional training, and so much more! This proactive method will ensure a safe, healthy, and drug-free community for everyone!

Members are asked to attend monthly meetings, develop activities and initiatives to prevent substance use, volunteer at community events, and serve on committees as they choose. This is a great opportunity to positively make an impact on the communities in the county and its residents.

CDFC typically meets on the fourth Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. in a hybrid setting. Members can attend online via Zoom or in person at the Clarion County YMCA in the Multipurpose Room. CDFC meetings are open to the public, and the coalition is always looking for new members. Community service hours are offered to members upon request. A full meeting schedule can be found at www.aicdac.org. If you are interested in joining the coalition or have any questions, please contact [email protected] or call 814-226-6350.

Follow AICADC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AICDAC to keep up to date on upcoming Clarion Drug-Free Coalition meetings and events!

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit https://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling:

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.