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Special recognition promoting March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Lake County joins Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling in promoting March 2023 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, promoting National Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about the social and financial effectiveness of services available for problem gambling; and
WHEREAS, problem gambling is a public health issue affecting millions of Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in all communities and has a significant societal and economic cost; and
WHEREAS, about 20,000 Lake County residents struggle with a gambling disorder, and adolescents and young adults are at a greater risk than adults; and
WHEREAS, currently, there are over 350 establishments in Lake County with almost 2,000 video gaming terminals; and
WHEREAS, many factors lead to gambling becoming a disorder, but problem gambling is treatable. Treatment is effective in minimizing harm to both individuals, business owners, and society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Lake County residents are encouraged to reach out for resources, including counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups by contacting Nicasa at 847-546-6450, calling or texting 211, contacting the state’s 24-hour helpline at 800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), or sending a text to GAMB at 833234; and
WHEREAS, Lake County has led the way in funding various social service agencies to help prevent and mitigate the social costs of problem gambling.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that March be recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Lake County; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED that the Lake County Board advocates for responsible policymaking, research, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling and encourages residents to have a dialogue about problem gambling.
DATED in Waukegan, Illinois on March 14, 2023.