Beyond the Odds

Summer 1998
On a Personal Note...

I decided to use my space this issue to bring you up-to-date on legislation from this past session, work on the development of provider competency standards and on implementation of a statewide fee-for-service reimbursement system.

Legislation

A total of $1,090,000 in supplemental funding for fiscal year 1999 was appropriated, all from the lottery prize account. $50,000 was designated "...for the operation of prevention and education programs aimed at helping adult and adolescent gamblers"; $290,000 for outpatient treatment; and $750,000 in one time, one-to-one matching funds for Vanguard/Project Turnabouts capital improvement project.

Standards

Work on this effort formally began in March with early September the target for a draft of recommendations for establishing at least minimum provider competency standards. The Gambling Advisory Committee's Ethics, Standards and Training work group has assumed lead responsibility for this phase. They will also develop and announce a way for all interested parties to provide suggestions, with special emphasis on seeking consumer input.

Fee-for-service

As required by 1996 legislation, the Department continues work on implementation of a statewide individual client fee-for-service outpatient treatment system. It will be based on the Southeast Minnesota pilot project that has been operational since November of 1996, with some adjustments in the allowable services and rate schedules. Essentially, the expansion will make it possible for any qualified provider to assess and treat a problem gambler and family members regardless of county of residence. DHS intends to issue a formal bulletin describing the system in early July and will also announce it in many of the professional newsletters. In the meantime, if you would like to receive information directly, please contact Patti Luther at 612-297-4104 to be added to the mailing list.

2000+ Plan

Last, a reminder that work begins this summer on development of program funding and policy program recommendations for consideration by the 1999 legislature that will apply to the 2000-2001 biennium. The next issue will include specifics concerning the process, priorities and how to have your ideas considered by the Gambling Advisory Committee. Until then, stay committed and be good to yourselves.

Jay Bambery
Department of Human Services

The University of Minnesota-Duluth recently promoted an awareness campaign about the risks of gambling in residence halls. As the poster's caption states, "gambling is not something that just happens in casinos," it can become problematic for college students living in dorms and frequenting campus common areas. It used to be that missing meant only one empty pocket...

Can you remember the last time you played just for fun?

Playing pool can be a good way to add some excitment to residence hall life. If that excitement means that you have to empty your pockets, you may have a problem. Remember, gambling is not something that just happens in casinos.

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Prepared by the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, Minnesota Institute of Public Health, for the Chemical Dependancy Program Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services

All material copyright 1997-1999, Minnesota Institute of Public Health
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The University of Minnesota-Duluth recently promoted an awareness campaign about the risks of gambling in residence halls. As the poster's caption states, "gambling is not something that just happens in casinos," it can become problematic for college students living in dorms and frequenting campus common areas.	It used to be that missing meant only one empty pocket...

	Can you remember the last time you played just for fun?
	Playing pool can be a good way to add some excitment to residence hall life. If that excitement means that you have to empty your pockets, you may have a problem. Remember, gambling is not something that just happens in casinos.