A new campaign by the Williams Government aims to target individuals with gambling addictions and encourage them to reach out for help. The campaign was launched today by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services.

"We recognize the devastating impact that problem gambling has on individuals and families and we are vigilant in our efforts to prevent and reduce problem gambling and provide support and resources for individuals who suffer from gambling addictions," said Minister Wiseman. "This campaign reaches out to those who have a gambling problem to let them know help is available and life can get better."

The campaign features a series of television ads and posters which speak to the real-life issues of individuals facing a gambling addiction and the positive outlook that results when they have sought help. The series of four ads portrays individuals of varying ages, based on the fact that a gambling addiction can affect anyone at any stage in life. The ads will run on both CBC and NTV for the remainder of 2008.

"We are particularly hopeful that this campaign will reach those who need to hear the message, primarily because the concept was based on research conducted with individuals in recovery from a gambling addiction," said Minister Wiseman. "It was their insights and willingness to help others in similar situations that enabled us to create this campaign."

Since 2003 the Provincial Government has allocated $14.6 million in new annual funding for enhanced prevention strategies and treatment programs for mental health and addictions, including $1.7 million in Budget 2008 for further enhancements to services and programs for persons with addictions and mental health issues. Previous initiatives have included the addition of 34 new positions in addictions services; the construction of a new facility for the Humberwood Provincial Addictions Treatment Centre in Corner Brook; and, completion of a provincial gambling prevalence study.

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Media contact:

Glenda Power
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-1741
glendapower@gov.nl.ca

2008 05 15                                                    9:15 a.m.