June 2000
By Pastor T. Lance Holthusen, Chair
MN Department of Human Services, Advisory Committee on Compulsive Gambling
As you read this article, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Advisory Committee on Compulsive Gambling is busy working on its vision and comprehensive plan for the next several years. Both Michael O'Keefe, the DHS commissioner, and several legislators have charged this Advisory Committee with becoming much more deliberate in meeting the needs of those challenged by compulsive and addictive gambling behaviors.
The Advisory Committee is made up of consumers, providers of counseling and treatment services, and research and education entities, as well as concerned others from around the state of Minnesota. We are very pleased with the breadth of representation on our Committee and the support staff appointed by the Minnesota DHS.
The Committee has formed three working groups to help accomplish its task: access to treatment, research and public awareness and education. For the first two-year-phase of our plan, which coincides with the next State Funding Biennium, our first deadline is to submit our plan and budget in early June for the DHS planning retreat in preparation for the next legislative session.
One of the special areas of interest that we have for this phase is multi-diagnosis efforts related to research, access to treatment, and public awareness and education. Experience shows that very seldom does a person suffer from only one addiction or compulsive behavioral problem.
Our bias is that at the very least, there should be as much money invested in treatment, prevention and education, and research regarding gambling and problem gambling as there are dollars invested by the State of Minnesota in advertising for its gaming businesses-over $7 million. So, our challenge, with your input, is to develop a comprehensive plan that will responsibly and effectively meet that goal.
Your input into our ongoing planning program process is most welcome-and needed. If you have any feedback regarding current efforts, please communicate with us by writing, faxing, or e-mailing at the following address: Minnesota Department of Human Services, Compulsive Gambling Advisory Committee, Attn: Kathleen Porter, 444 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55101-3828, fax: 651-582-1831, e-mail: kathleen. porter@state.mn.us.
We look forward to your comments and to serving you.
Gambling Problems Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
