www.evergreencpg.or

g

SPRING 2010

IN THIS ISSUE

In Training

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

New ECPG Website

Youth Problem Gambling & the Arts

Board Briefs

About ECPG

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling was established in 1991 as a private, nonprofit organization under the name Washington State Council on Problem Gambling. The Council is committed to providing support and services for problem gamblers, their families, employers, students, treatment professionals, and the greater community through information and education, advocacy, and referral to treatment services. The Council provides statewide

DIRECTIONS

Reaching Out: Local, Regional, and National News on What's New!

Maureen Greeley, Executive Director

Helping people and providing hope know no boundaries. All

of us at the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling share a passion for making a difference and for developing the best programs and services to support anyone affected by problem gambling. While we are proud to be based in Washington State, the work we do and the wonderful partnerships and collaborative efforts in which we engage, go beyond the borders of our state, and even of the Pacific Northwest. Our Council is proud to be an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), and is proud of Dr. Chuck Maurer, who is a founding member of our Council and the current President of NCPG.

Chuck was instrumental in helping inaugurate the first National Problem Gambling Awareness Week and is still active in the campaign today. March 7-13 marks the 8th annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week -- a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign coordinated by the National

confidential support through its 24-hour Problem Gambling Helpline (800.547.6133) and public awareness, education, prevention, training, and resource development services. The Council maintains a position of neutrality on gambling, recognizing that most people who gamble do so for recreation and suffer no serious problems. However, for some, gambling becomes a serious addiction, devastating to the individual and family. Our Council's core purpose is to advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org), with access to the latest research, treatment alternatives, and other issues of importance relating to problem gambling.

IN TRAINING

Four-day Intensive Training Offers 27 CEUs

Basic and Advanced

Levels

April 21-24, 2010

DoubleTree Guest Suites Seattle Airport/Southcenter 16500 Southcenter Parkway

Council on Problem Gambling. You'll find much information on important events occurring in Washington in this issue of Insights -- from media tours with "Zander the Underage Gambler" to outreach at the University of Washington's Tacoma campus.

On the national level, there is exciting news this week as well: The Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act will be introduced in the Senate by Senators Brownback (R-KS) and Merkley (D-OR) on Monday, March 8, in conjunction with NPGAW. This is the companion bill to HR 2906 in the House. For the first time ever, there will be legislation in both chambers of Congress to provide funds for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

Enactment of the Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act represents a solution to the need for a specific, dedicated Federal response to the issue of problem gambling. It would not only give problem gambling a place to reside within the Federal government, but also provide funding for state-based programs to enhance the work done by NCPG affiliates such as the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. The bill provides $14.2 million in grants per year to non-profits and state agencies for prevention, research, and treatment of problem gambling.

PLEASE contact your representatives today to encourage them to support and co-sponsor the bills in the House and Senate. More information can be found on our Website at www.evergreencpg.org and on the NCPG Website at www.ncpgambling.org.

And speaking of NCPG...

The 24th Annual National Conference on Problem Gambling is being presented by NCPG and hosted by our colleagues in Oregon -- the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Mark your calendars for the conference (June 11-12) and pre-conference workshops (June 9-10) in Portland, Oregon. Our Council will be offering a limited number of scholarships for treatment providers in Washington state to attend the conference. Scholarships will include full conference registration for June 11-12 and a stipend to help defray the lodging costs at the conference hotel. If you're interested in more information about scholarship opportunities, please contact Maureen Greeley at mlgreeley@evergreencpg.org.

More news about what's new!

Seattle, WA 98188-3388

Treating problem gamblers effectively requires a holistic approach and knowledge specific to the disorder. The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling coordinates quality training throughout Washington State. The next treatment provider training will take place April 21-24 in South Seattle. Topics include identifying, intervening, and diagnosing problem and pathological gambling; depression and gambling; cultural competence; and a practical approach to schema work with compulsive gamblers. Special workshops on Saturday, April 24, include a Gambling Counselor Certification Test Preparation course with Joanna Franklin, Co-chair of the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board. Joanna will review the outline of gambling specific topics that are covered on the national exam and provide sample test questions offered in a pre/post format with discussion.

For more information or to register, call Lee at:

360.352.6133

Or contact her by email at: llee@evergreencpg.org

Online registration and complete course descriptions

are now available on our Website at

It is with great excitement that we invite you to visit our new and improved Evergreen Council Website (www.evergreencpg.org) -- launching in conjunction with National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. The new site is more user friendly and offers some exciting features for visitors, including:

? Online registration for trainings and conferences

? Online membership registration and renewal

? Online options for making a donation

? Online forms to request a presentation, information packets, resource materials, and to sign up to become an ECPG volunteer

? Streaming video embedded into specific site "departments"

We hope you enjoy the site, and we would appreciate any feedback you'd like to share. Great Internet access to information on problem gambling programs and services ensures that our Council will continue to reach out to the widest audience -- in Washington, throughout the Pacific Northwest, and across the country -- as we partner with colleagues on the local, regional, and national levels to make a difference.

www.evergreencpg.org

CONTACT US:

insights@evergreencpg.org

VISIT US: www.evergreencpg.org

click here

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PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK

ECPG Launches New Website, New Materials for National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Council's Problem Gambling Website Gets a Fresh Look Just in Time for National Problem Gambling Awareness Week March 7-13

I nterest in information on problem gambling is growing in Washington State. To assist consumers, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) redesigned the state's most comprehensive Website for information on problem gambling: www.evergreencpg.org.

"We've made it fresh, bold and, most importantly, usernotes Maureen Greeley, ECPG's executive director. "Internet users can now find what they need to know about problem gambling programs, services, and resources quickly."

Topics include signs and symptoms of problem gambling, lowand no-cost treatment for Washington residents, free resources, training and continuing education opportunities for counselors, information for the gaming industry on responsible gaming programs, youth awareness and prevention programs, articles, archives, and more.

Since May 2006, ECPG has received more than 30,000 requests for information on problem gambling from individuals in 37 of Washington State's 39 counties. Most of the requests come through a Problem Gambling Helpline (800.547.6133) staffed 24hours a day. A growing number of requests, however, are coming through ECPG's Website.

The site was completed in time for National Problem GaAwareness Week, March 7-13, 2010. Also available later in March: New Washington State Helpline posters and brochures.

For more information about the Website, contact Rhonda Stone, ECPG Community Education Coordinator, at 360.352.6133 or

ECPG Launches New Website, New Materials for National Problem Gambling Awareness

Gambling Website Gets a Fresh Look Just in Time for National Problem Gambling

nterest in information on problem gambling is growing in

Washington State. To assist consumers, the Evergreen Council on igned the state's most

comprehensive Website for information on problem gambling:

"We've made it fresh, bold and, most importantly, user-friendly," notes Maureen Greeley, ECPG's executive director. "Internet users can now find what they need to know about problem gambling

Topics include signs and symptoms of problem gambling, low-cost cost treatment for Washington residents, free resources,

training and continuing education opportunities for counselors, the gaming industry on responsible gaming

programs, youth awareness and prevention programs, articles,

Since May 2006, ECPG has received more than 30,000 requests for information on problem gambling from individuals in 37 of

on State's 39 counties. Most of the requests come through a Problem Gambling Helpline (800.547.6133) staffed 24-hours a day. A growing number of requests, however, are coming

The site was completed in time for National Problem Gambling 13, 2010. Also available later in March:

New Washington State Helpline posters and brochures.

For more information about the Website, contact Rhonda Stone, ECPG Community Education Coordinator, at 360.352.6133 or

Quarterly e-newsletter

Periodic legislative reports & news releases

Display-quality certificate

For more information, click

the link above or call: 360.352.6133

When gambling

becomes a problem, there's

hope...

HELP STARTS HERE

1.800.547.613

3

Free, confidential information and

referral to treatment 24 hours a day

Residential

rstone@evergreencpg.org.

Underage Gambler "Zander" Participates on UW/Tacoma Panel

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week March 7-13, 2010

"Zander" could be anyone, including a teen in your own

home or next door. Zander's issue -- problem gambling goes unrecognized and misunderstood.

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is giving an identity to "Zander" the underage gambler during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 7-13, 2010. The public is invited to hear "Zander" and two other college students whose lives were adversely affected by problem gambling during a panel discussion at the University of Washington-Tacoma campus, Thursday, March 11 (two times: 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) in the Philip Hall Commons, S. 21st Street and Dolly Roberson Lane.

Joining "Zander" will be a young woman who as a child and teen watched her family lose everything, including their home, to problem gambling, and a college student whose boyfriend ruined her excellent credit by "borrowing" from her credit accounts. Other panelists include Dr. Chuck Maurer, President of the National Council on Problem Gambling and Vice President of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling; ECPG board members Dr. Ruby Takushi, Seattle-area psychologist; and Dr. Ty Lostutter, University of Washington-Seattle researcher; and Special Agents Debby Vandall and Robert Zaher of the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Underage Gambler "Zander" Participates on UW/Tacoma

Problem Gambling Awareness

ander" could be anyone, including a teen in your own

problem gambling -- often

Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is giving an identity to "Zander" the underage gambler during National

13, 2010. The public is invited to hear "Zander" and two other college students whose

fected by problem gambling during a panel Tacoma campus,

Thursday, March 11 (two times: 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) in the Philip Hall Commons, S. 21st Street and Dolly Roberson Lane.

oung woman who as a child and teen watched her family lose everything, including their home, to problem gambling, and a college student whose boyfriend ruined her excellent credit by "borrowing" from her credit accounts. Other

aurer, President of the National Council on Problem Gambling and Vice President of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling; ECPG board members Dr. Ruby

area psychologist; and Dr. Ty Lostutter, and Special Agents

Debby Vandall and Robert Zaher of the Washington State

Treatment

Services for

Problem Gamblers*

(*Washington State Residents)

More than 100,000 Washingtonians struggle with Problem Gambling.

At least 25% are Compulsive, or pathological, gamblers, the most serious form of the disorder.

If you feel one of your clients may need residential treatment services for compulsive gambling, contact the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling.

A Place to Heal

Residential Treatment Facilities provide A serene living environment That is gambling-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free,

The name "Zander" was used in a collaborative campaign launched by the Washington State Gambling Commission and ECPG last fall (visit www.notazander.org). The award-winning campaign aims to prevent underage gambling by informing teens and their parents about new fines approved by the Washington State Legislature. Teens can now be fined and required to fulfill community service hours for sneaking into card rooms and casinos. It is being used as the pseudonym for the recovering problem gambler participating on Thursday's UW-Tacoma panel.

THE "RACE" IS ON!!

Four Student Arts Projects Chosen to Receive Problem Gambling Awareness Funds

In Mt. Vernon, Maple Valley, Spanaway, and Mossyrock, junior high and high school students will join a virtual "race" to spread the word that gambling of any kind requires limits and respect.

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) and Washington State's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) have teamed up for the second year to fund student-to-student messages designed to develop problem gambling awareness. The organizations this week announce that they will award grants to four student groups.

Projects receiving funding from the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling include:

? Maple Valley Youth Council, Maple Valley Community Center: An "Amazing Race" event for 15 to 30 youth/youth and adult teams.

? V.O.I.C.E. Youth Coalition, a United Hospitals youth program: A 60-second youth public service announcement for the Skagit Valley area.

? Mossyrock Jumpstart Program (Mossyrock

plus:

? Licensed Treatment Providers

? A Confidential Setting

? Individualized Treatment Plans

? Family Component Available

? Coordinated Aftercare

To determine if your client may be eligible for funding support for residential treatment, contact the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. Clients must be referred to residential care by a Washington state or nationally certified problem gambling counselor practicing in Washington state. A list of providers is available on the ECPG Website at

www.evergreencpg.org

Lee Lee "Retires" to Evergreen Council

Some people just don't know how to retire. After 27 years with the state -- and hitting the magic age of 55 -- Lee Lee became eligible

Junior High and Educational Service District 113, Olympia): A short dramatic video promoting www.addictionisagamble.com, the Evergreen Council's new youth Website.

The project also receiving funding from DBHR:

? "A Positive Message for Life" and Spanaway Junior High School students: An informational classroom video featuring junior high students and Lamar Hudson, Pierce County music and prevention specialist.

"Last year's arts awareness projects were outstanding in their ability to reach youth with important messages about healthy choices and risky behaviors, and we are pleased to be able to offer this program again," said Maureen Greeley, executive director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. All three projects funded in 2009 can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/Evergreencpg. Look for the 2010 projects this spring!

BOARD BRIEFS

to retire under the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) last July.

But 55 seemed way too young to retire, Lee thought. She kept her eyes open for

other work, though, thinking she might try something new. And then her friend Maureen called. Lee had met Maureen Greeley, ECPG's executive director, back in 1998, when Maureen joined the communications team at the Washington State Lottery. The two worked together for a little more than six years, developing a great working relationship as well as a strong friendship. They stayed in touch after Maureen left the Lottery, and Maureen contacted her a few times to recruit her for various jobs. But the timing just wasn't right. Until she could "retire" from the state, that is. What luck for ECPG: Lee's career dovetails perfectly with the skills needed for her position as training program assistant. Among other things, Lee used to coordinate logistics for conferences and computer training seminars for agency workers. She also worked in sales and marketing.

Off Broadway -- Dr. Ty Lostutter Takes His Cue From The Audiences He Serves

Ty Lostutter, Broadway star!

Dr. Ty Lostutter, senior research fellow.

What a difference a change in majors makes.

Dr. Lostutter is a senior research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Center for the Study of Health and Human Risk Behaviors at the University of Washington.

Fifteen years after changing his undergraduate major from theater to psychology, Ty Lostutter received his doctorate in clinical psychology last summer from the University of Washington. Such seemingly divergent paths actually share a common theme, Dr. Lostutter says. "In order to be an actor, you have to be able to assume and understand other behaviors," Dr. Lostutter says."As a psychologist, you have to do the same thing." For the past 10 years, much of Dr. Lostutter's academic work has

focused on problem gambling. His research has taken him as far as Vietnam, where his master's thesis found that problem gambling is more prevalent in young adults in Vietnam than the same age group in the United States. His master's thesis, and his ongoing research on HIV and alcohol abuse prevention in Vietnam, is Dr. Lostutter's way of "giving back to a country that was devastated by war," he says. Vietnam holds a special place in his heart, not only because his partner of 18 years, Tai, was born there, but because it was a Vietnamese family who opened Ty's eyes to the devastating effects of problem gambling. "I used to eat lunch all the time at this restaurant owned by a Vietnamese family," Dr. Lostutter explains. "I got to know the family pretty well. Then one day I came in and brandowners were there. They were whispering about how the old

Dr. Ty Lostutter Takes His Cue From The Audiences

Dr. Lostutter is a senior research fellow in the Department of chiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Center for the Study of

Health and Human Risk Behaviors at the University of

Fifteen years after changing his undergraduate major from theater to psychology, Ty Lostutter received

ical psychology last summer from the University of Washington. Such seemingly divergent paths actually share a common theme, Dr. Lostutter says.

"In order to be an actor, you have to be able to assume and understand other behaviors," Dr. Lostutter says. "As a psychologist, you have to do

For the past 10 years, much of Dr. Lostutter's academic work has

focused on problem gambling. His research has taken him as far as Vietnam, where his master's thesis found that problem

e prevalent in young adults in Vietnam than the

His master's thesis, and his ongoing research on HIV and alcohol abuse prevention in Vietnam, is Dr. Lostutter's way of

war," he says. Vietnam holds a special place in his heart, not only because his partner of 18 years, Tai, was born there, but because it was a Vietnamese family who opened Ty's eyes to the devastating

ll the time at this restaurant owned by a Vietnamese family," Dr. Lostutter explains. "I got to know the family pretty well. Then one day I came in and brand-new owners were there. They were whispering about how the old

"Lee was my right hand in the Communications Department at the Lottery," said Greeley. "I always knew that I could depend on her to take care of myriad details and to keep our office organized. It was a fantastic bonus that Lee just has a way of making people comfortable and is always willing to lend a hand on any project to ensure success. I'm thrilled to work with her again on training programs for ECPG." When Lee isn't busy taking care of ECPG programs, she's busy taking care of dozens of teenage girls on the Tumwater High School Dance team, where she's an unofficial "Mom" and "General #1 Fan." Her license plate, "TBRDFNS" proclaims her zeal for the Tumwater Thunderbirds. At home, Lee is official mom to 20-year-old Jessie, a student at South Puget Sound Community College. She also is official "grandmother" to Tido and Nina, two 6-pound papillons. Lee says she's excited to be a part of ECPG and to help keep the training program running smoothly. Though she's not ready to retire yet, Lee did splurge on a retirement gift for herself -- a new hot tub. "There's nothing more relaxing than leaning back in the hot tub and stargazing," Lee says. "I use it as often as I can."

owner, the father, had lost money in the casinos. They'd lost their business and their house, and their son had to drop out of college. It showed me that problem gambling really does affect the entire family." Dr. Lostutter joined the Board of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling in 2007 and is currently helping develop the organization's new treatment and research program and high school curriculum. He also is working on follow-up research to his doctoral thesis, which showed that brief advice on the Web about problem gambling reduces the amount of money that college students with gambling problems spend on their addiction -- at least initially. In addition to those projects, Dr. Lostutter works at the VA hospital in Seattle with veterans of all ages -- a population with whom he finds it particularly fulfilling to work. "I've found that population believes in something bigger than themselves," Dr. Lostutter said. "They've really opened my eyes to self-sacrifice." Broadway will have to do without Dr. Lostutter; we're glad to have him.

Office: 360.352.6133 / Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling / Confidential 24-Hour HelpLine 1.800.547.6133