National Problem Gambling Expert Wins Missouri Award

Joanna Franklin

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.

Keith Spares and Kami Delameter

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.