View this newsletter as the original email.
January 2023 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Notes from Wiley
- 16th Annual OAPGG Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling, March 3
- MCPGSA conference in Kansas City, June 21-23
- NCPG conferences, virtual June 14-15, and in person, July 26-28
- Basic Training for Problem Gambling, virtual and live, March 17 and 24 and April 21 and 28
Notes from Wiley
Greetings,
Every January for seventeen years I have written a brief column for the OAPGG quarterly newsletter. I haven’t read past editions, but I am sure they contained hopes for positive change and new efforts to help those with a gambling disorder and to give some helpful information to our counselors and administrators. As I think about this column it occurs to me that the best intentions for a new year are not better than a blank slate. Therefore, I hope we can think of our futures as a blank slate that means we are constantly considering how to do our important work.
Our most recent prevalence study shows that 6.0% of adults in Oklahoma qualify for having a gambling disorder while 30% were at risk with 1-3 of the criteria. In spite of these huge numbers, research also indicates that 10% of those that need help actually access the services that are available.
Our current efforts include social media advertising about gambling problems, how to get help, self-exclusion, and other services that are offered. With our efforts to reach those that need help there is always a need for new ideas. My hope is that each of you will contribute to the idea of the blank slate and offer ideas and resources for all of our programs, especially the social media campaign. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and like our posts and share them.
There are many trainings planned for the first six months of the year. Please join us in person on March 3 for the 16th annual OAPGG Conference on Problem Gambling.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPGG
16th Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling
The statewide conference will take place in-person on March 3 at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. Speakers will include:
- Devin Mills, PhD: “A Review of the Prevalence Study on Problem Gambling in Oklahoma”
- A recovery panel featuring Christina, Rachel, and Rick
- Kristina Pedilla: “Working with LGBTQIA Community Members”
- Brianne Doura-Schawohl: “National Trends in Sports Wagering, Problem Gambling, and What’s on the Horizon”
- Wiley Harwell, DMin, LPC: “The State of Gambling in Oklahoma”
Mark your calendars! Registration will be available soon.
20th Annual Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA)
“Together Again: Building a Future”
The 20th annual MCPGSA conference will be held June 21-23, 2023, at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza (4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111). Earn continuing education units from nationally recognized experts in the fields of problem gambling and substance use disorder. Scholarships are available.
National Council on Problem Gambling Conferences
The theme of the NCPG conference is “Capital Ideas.” Now in its 37th year, the conference is the oldest and largest annual national conference that brings together people from all facets of healthcare, research, government and the many segments of the gambling industry. With top-notch national and international experts as speakers, as well as those who work on local and state levels, the conference is a unique resource for everyone who works in these fields, as well as those in recovery and concerned others. The conference provides both detailed in-depth knowledge and cross-training opportunities.
NCPG will host a digital symposium June 14-15 and an in-person conference in Washington, DC, July 27-28.
30-Hour Basic Training for Problem Gambling
OAPGG will be offering a virtual, live basic training that will take place over 4 days: March 17 and 24 and April 21 and 28. This evidence-based basic training course is designed to help counselors, peer support specialists, and others in building an understanding of gambling addiction. In this training, you will learn about gambling history, gambling technology, the theoretical basis for treatment, co-occurring disorders, multicultural issues, assessment tools, treatment modalities, and more.
Training includes:
- 12 consultation sessions included at no cost
- Prep class for those taking the IGCCB exam or state certification
(There will be fees associated with the IGCCB exam or state certification. Check with your state for credentialing requirements.) - Resources and workbook for counselors
The training will be led by Wiley Harwell, DMin, LPC, ICGC-II, and Lori Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II.
Case Consultation
OAPGG offers consultation calls every second and third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm for counselors to get help with difficult cases and build knowledge for certification. Anyone who has begun or completed the Basic Training course is invited to join the monthly calls hosted by Wiley.
For those seeking certification in Oklahoma, case consultation is required. Counselors must complete 12 hours of consultation and present 2 case studies to fulfill the requirement.
Call 405-801-3329 to get instructions for connecting. Wiley looks forward to seeing you on the call!
Suicide Prevention Training
To schedule a suicide prevention training at your agency and/or community, contact Ronnie Wahkinney at OAPGG by calling 405-801-3329 or 405-243-1363. There is no charge for training and materials.
OAPGG Outreach
Ronnie Wahkinney presented a 2-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training along with a brief introduction to the signs and symptoms to problem gambling to 17 staff members of Lucky Star Casino, Watonga, October 26 and 27, 2022.