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Province to proceed with gambling prevalence study Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today announced that the provincial government will proceed with a prevalence study to measure gambling and problem gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Gambling prevalence studies have been conducted around the world and have produced a wealth of information for addictions specialists, researchers, the gaming industry and others involved in the prevention and treatment of problem behavior," stressed Minister Ottenheimer. "We need to understand the scope of the problem we are dealing with in this province if we are to successfully address it." This study marks the first time Newfoundland and Labrador has undertaken any statistical review of gambling habits. It will identify a profile of gambling activity in the province; provide baseline research for future studies; study the demographics, characteristics and behaviors that measure the whole continuum of gambling behavior and the findings will contribute to a national database on gambling prevalence. The Department of Health and Community Services would like to acknowledge the contributions of all addictions staff across the province in their support of a provincial prevalence study, particularly the efforts of Valerie Elson and Dean Penney of Health and Community Services Central region in bringing this to fruition. "We have been looking forward to this type of study for some time and we welcome the opportunity to participate," said Kim Baldwin, director of mental health and addictions, Health and Community Services St. John�s. "The information generated will be a valuable asset in future planning for addictions programming and will complete the national picture." A research company will be contracted through a request for proposals process to conduct research, analyze data and present a final report to government. A project management committee including representation from provincial and regional addictions staff will oversee the study. Minister Ottenheimer suggested that the findings would provide direction for the prevention, education and treatment of persons suffering with problem gambling. "The findings of the study will allow the province to appropriately allocate valuable resources in the regions to address gambling issues." A formal request for proposals will be issued in February and it is anticipated that the study will be completed within four to six months. Media contact: Carolyn Chaplin, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 682-5093 2005 01 25 1:25 p.m. |
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