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For Immediate Release 9/26/05
EVENT: Problem Gamblers Awareness Day Rally—10 Years of Commemorating
Hope for Problem Gamblers
Contact: Ronda Hatefi 541.688.7101; Julie Hynes
541.682.3928
- When: Thursday, September 29 from noon to 1:00
p.m.
- Where: State Capitol steps, Salem
Citizens and family will hold a
rally to commemorate the life of Bobby Hafemann, and to
celebrate hope and help available for problem gamblers and their
family members. Ten years ago, when 28-year-old Hafemann's
gambling got out of control, he lost hope and took his own life.
Since then, his sister, Ronda Hatefi has made a commitment to
increase awareness in Oregon about the issue of problem
gambling. Founding Oregonians for Gambling Awareness
Organization in 1995, Ronda is currently organizing the 10th
annual rally on Bobby's birthday, September 29, with a "then and
now" retrospective of gambling and problem gambling services in
Oregon. At the end of the rally, doves will be released (weather
permitting) to symbolize the hope and freedom from gambling
addiction.
SPEAKERS:
- Ronda Hatefi, Event Organizer; President, Oregonians for
Gambling Awareness Organization; will be sharing her
brother's story and her involvement in the last 10 years
with helping raise awareness about problem gambling
- Jeffrey J. Marotta, Ph.D., Problem Gambling Services
Manager, Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of
Mental Health & Addiction Services; will be speaking about
the history of gambling in Oregon in the last 10 years as
well as treatment services available to all Oregonians
- Julie Hynes, Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator,
Lane County Health & Human Services; will be talking about
prevention efforts in Oregon and how people can help others
in their communities
- Karl, gambler in recovery; will be sharing his story
- Available for interviews:
- Youth family member of a gambler
- Other family members and loved ones
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
While the majority of people gamble with
few or no adverse consequences, the rate of problem gambling has risen
as gambling opportunities have become more available. Research shows
over 60,000 Oregonian adults and an additional 10,000 teens experience
problems with gambling. This growing issue affects individual problem
gamblers, their families and communities, and causes enormous social,
economic, and psychological costs.
Ten years ago, Bobby Hafemann and other
problem gamblers had few resources to help with gambling problems.
Hafemann's sister Ronda Hatefi knows there are people who continue to
need the help, but are unaware that help is available. Fortunately, more
people in Oregon are seeking help for gambling problems than ever
before. Of Oregon's 1,400 gambling treatment clients in 2004,
one in four had suicidal thoughts in the months prior to treatment, one
in four said their gambling cost them a marriage of significant
relationship, and one in three admitted to committing crimes to finance
gambling. Getting help early is key to saving lives and avoiding the
pain that Bobby Hafemann's family knows too well.
Hatefi said of her efforts, "It is very
important to me to let people know that there is help, it is free,
confidential and it does work. My motto has not changed in 10 years, No
Problem Gambler Stands Alone."
Anyone concerned about their own or a
loved one's gambling problem can get free help by calling the statewide
problem gambling Help Line at 1.877.MY.LIMIT (877-278-6766). People
can get more information about problem gambling at Lane County's problem
gambling prevention website,
www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling.
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