Fall 1996

In preparing my comments for the last issue of Beyond the Odds, space ran out before I had a chance to highlight several ongoing pieces of work. Item one is a six to seven year strategic plan that will include a revised mission statement for the state's gambling program administered by the Department of Human Services, both program and fiscal goals that can be achieved in the next two years, as well as longer term goals carrying into at least the first biennium of the next century. Fortunately, the DHS Advisory Committee on Compulsive Gambling has been willing to work collaboratively with the department in developing the document, offering very thoughtful and useful critique, as well as committing itself to helping establish specific tasks and timelines and participating in the work groups that have been established. Members have also encouraged and been open to non-appointed persons being involved, particularly in the activities of the work groups. For a more detailed description of the role, responsibility and authority of both the committee and work groups and status of the strategic plan development, please call 612-297-4104 or 612-296-3923.

Item two is the development of a pilot outpatient treatment component for problem gamblers and their families living in the twelve county southeastern part of Minnesota. In addition to responding to a geographically underserved area of the state, funding will be administered on a fee for service, individual practitioner basis, and will provide data to help determine whether or not to adopt that mechanism statewide. Although some details are still being worked out the intent is to be operational yet this fall preceded by a full media coverage and pre-opening workshops.

Item three is a reminder that the department has a contract with the Minnesota Council on Compulsive Gambling to provide 24 $1,120 scholarships (80% of the full $1,450 tuition) for their sixty hour training. Although any practitioner in Minnesota can be considered, first priority will be given to providers serving clients from the southeast part of the state. Dates still open for 1996 are Phase I, October 8-11 and Phase II, November 12-15. Both phases will also be offered again in the spring of 1997. For more details regarding eligibility contact Lorraine at 218-722-1503.

Item four is to alert readers that a request for proposals will be published in the State Register within the next few weeks announcing a special project for public awareness and capacity building work with Southeast Asian communities.

Last, I'd simply like to remind readers that DHS has a contract with the Minnesota Institute of Public Health (the publishers of this newsletter) to provide a wide range of information, materials, seminars and workshops for the general public and related professionals concerning both youth and adult gambling issues. I urge you to use them; they're good!

Jay Bambery
Department of Human Services