Continue The Conversation
I liked this year’s Problem Gambling maxim as soon as I read it and more and more as I reflected on it. It is short and simple, but its three words so aptly and poignantly describe the purpose and performance of the QCFE that they read like a personal message to me, because it is by conversation that we built the program and with conversation that we continue its work.
Formally speaking we launched this conversation on March 11, 2015, but more accurately, that the conversation started months earlier, when we began making practical connections with the community and letting the people of Queens know that we were, in a prhase:
“Here to Help”.
At first we weren’t sure how many people were ready-willing-or able to become sincerely engaged in this conversation, but over time and with use of consistently repeated mantras (“…the goal of the QCFE is to increase awareness about and offer help to Queens’ residents affected by problem gambling…”) we built relationships and established connections with a community network, deepening the conversation and leading to the reception of
more than 100 HELP REQUESTS in our first year.
This referral statistic implies an increase in public awareness and certainly in recognition of the QCFE as a key resource—which is tremendously encouraging. But the proof of this increase is found, not only in the reportable data, but also in the experience “between the data” and within the conversations. When conversing with clients, clinicians, the gambling industry, various small and large groups—even when conversing with myself in the mirror—I can hear, see and affirm a positive growth in the quantity and quality of problem gambling awareness, treatment and recovery.
These important outcomes were, quite literally, started by the power of conversation, using the underestimated power of words to create informed awareness, promote responsible practices, connect persons, coach clients and report the results.
In sum, the QCFE, supervised and supported by NYCPG, has started an engaging, educational and productive conversation about problem gambling in Queens—now we must simply continue it.
For more problem gambling resources, click the link below.
http://knowtheodds.org/resources/infographics/