National Problem Gambling Expert Wins
Missouri Award
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Joanna Franklin
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An internationally renowned compulsive gambling treatment expert, who helped
to create the training curriculum for Missouri's certified compulsive gambling
counselors, received the annual Outstanding Contributor Award presented by the
Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling. Joanna Franklin, the director of Network
Development and Training for Trimeridan Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., received the award
Aug. 25 during the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse in
Kansas City. Franklin, who was a keynote speaker at the Midwest Conference, received
the award as a part of Missouri's Responsible Gaming Education Month activities. The
Missouri Alliance was host of the regional conference.
This statewide award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated
superior achievement in addressing issues of problem and pathological
gambling in Missouri.
"Joanna not only was instrumental in creating a comprehensive compulsive gambling
treatment training program for Missouri's counselors, she also has strongly
supported Missouri's many outreach programs, both on the national and state
levels," said Kevin Mullally, director of the Missouri Gaming Commission and
chairman of the Missouri Alliance.
"This award is just a small way to thank Joanna for her many contributions to
and relentless support for Missouri's problem gambling treatment and awareness
programs," Mullally said.
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Keith Spare and Kami Delameter
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In addition to Franklin's award, Kami Delameter, public affairs assistant for
the Missouri Lottery, received the Missouri Alliance's annual Service Award
for extraordinary contributions in preparing the winning bid proposal to bring
the National Council on Problem Gambling Conference to Missouri in June 2007.
Delameter is the daughter of Jackie Delameter of Kansas City (64155*).
Mullally said that getting the opportunity to host the National Council's annual
meeting is a compliment to the strength of Missouri's problem gambling programs
and the Alliance.
"This will be the first time the conference will be held in the Missouri and the
first time in several years that the conference has been in the Midwest," Mullally
said. "Kami's extraordinary work on the conference bid proposal sealed a fantastic
opportunity for the state of Missouri."
The National Council on Problem Gambling conference is scheduled for June 2007
in Kansas City.
For more information about the awards or the Midwest Conference, visit
www.888BETSOFF.org.
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Help Is Available
If you feel you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call
1-888-BETSOFF
(1-888-238-7633).
Your toll-free call to 1-888-BETSOFF can put you in touch
with people who understand your situation and can refer
you to free treatment in your area.
Compulsive gambling is a behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable
preoccupation and urge to gamble. This results in excessive gambling, the outcome of
which is loss of time and money.
The gambling reaches the point at which it compromises, disrupts or destroys the
gambler's personal life, family relationships or vocational pursuits. The key
signs are emotional dependence on gambling, loss of control and interference with
normal functioning. |
