March Newsletter

DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), and this year, the gambling public awareness campaign will focus on risks related to underage sports wagering. Problem Gambling significantly impacts economic, social, and mental well-being.

Research shows that teens and young adults are more vulnerable to the addictive potential of gambling behavior and are the age group with the highest prevalence of lifetime online gambling (33.4%). Illinois young adults are also the most likely to say they would not seek help for a gambling problem (9.0%). Not realizing the risks for teens, parents sometimes allow youth to access a sports wagering account. The "Don't Bet Your Future" campaign was developed to assist youth, families, and communities in addressing this issue together, (Data Source: IL Problem Gambling Assessment, Problem Gambling in Youth and Young Adults Infographic.)Join us in sharing the resources available to prevent and compassionately respond to problem gambling. If you or someone you know needs assistance or has questions about gambling, Text 1800-426-2537 or visit the Are You Really Winning - Illinois Helpline (helplineil.org).

SUPR STAFFING UPDATES

Chima Obidiegwu Jr. joined the SUPR team as Prevention Discretionary Grant Manager within the Bureau of Prevention Services.Prior to joining SUPR, Chima worked in the Office of Contract Administration as a Contract Analyst/Manager at the Department of Family and Children Services since 2021. He holds a degree in Psychology and has had impactful roles supporting various communities!

Arya Gadekar joined the SUPR team as a University of Illinois Springfield Graduate Public Service Intern (GPSI) within the Bureau of Planning, Performance Assessment and Federal Programs. Arya is an international student in the Human Development Counseling program at UoI Springfield. She graduated in 2023 with honors from Texas A&M International University with a BA in Psychology. Arya is also a student-athlete at UIS and is part of the women's golf team!

Lisa Cohen was recently promoted to SUPRs Women, Youth and Family Services Program Manager/Northern Region within the Bureau of Planning, Performance Assessment and Federal Programs. Lisa has been with SUPR since completing her master's degree from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration in 1999. She has played many roles over the years including working with DARTS and reporting, program management over various women-focused programs, federal project director for multiple SAMHSA grants focused on homelessness, MAR, criminal justice and most recently served as the Women's Services Coordinator for Illinois since 2016!

Jasmine Perrine was recently promoted to Social Service Program Planner IV within the Bureau of Licensure, Compliance and Monitoring where she will serve as lead monitor. Jasmine is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with a master's  degree in professional counseling. She started her career 26 years ago on the Westside of Chicago helping moms or parents begin substance use treatment after giving birth to their baby with substances in its system. She has worked in residential treatment, managed housing programs for substance use disorder (SUD) patients and outpatient SUD with co-occurring mental health issues. Jasmine has worked for the State of Illinois since 2019 and has been with SUPR since December 2021!

SUPR - 5-STAR EMPLOYEE

This month IDHS named Kim Fornero as one of its 5-Star Employee Awardees. The 5-Star Program celebrates IDHS staff members who consistently demonstrate the 5-Star values of kindness, respect, helpfulness, consistency, and efficiency. Kim has been with IDHS for 27 years and currently serves as SUPR's Administrator of Compliance and Monitoring, overseeing the monitoring of more than 1,000 SUPR licensed providers. When asked what drives her to exemplify the 5-star values, Kim expressed that her dad was her role model and instilled a strong work ethic with an emphasis on serving. She is a team-player and seeks to advance and strengthen the work of SUPR organizations. On a personal note, Kim is a big sports fan and seeks to attend the summer Olympic games and visit all the major league ballparks. Congratulations Kim!

CELEBRATING PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH 2024: EVERY STORY MATTERS

IDHS/SUPR, in collaboration with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), are dedicating March to bringing awareness to gambling disorder and directing people to the help they need. PGAM is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment, and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling.

Across Illinois, organizations will be sponsoring community events, hosting screening, and training events, as well as running media campaigns to ensure that problem gambling services are widely available and accessible. The Chicago Skyline will be lit teal during the week of March 25-31, 2024, to honor all those who struggle with gambling disorder and bring awareness to the impact of gambling on communities. For additional information, please visit the website: AreYouReallyWinning.com

2nd Annual Art Contest

Don't miss out on our 2nd Annual Art Contest, open to all residents of Illinois age 14 and over, which highlights Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The juried art program aims to raise awareness of gambling issues and to deliver a sense of hope to those who are struggling. Accepted media include drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, collage, digital art, fiber art, textiles, glass art, photography, ceramic art, assemblage, sculpture, graphic design, and illustration. The winning submissions will be displayed in June. .

Gambling Disorder Training

Over the past four years, there have been over 679 clinicians trained to provide gambling disorder treatment services in Illinois. This year, SUPR will provide monthly webinars focused on gambling disorder, a two-day Summit on Problem Gambling, a 30-hour Gambling Counselor Training, three community and culturally (Black/African American, Latinx, and Asian cultures) focused conferences on gambling disorder, as well as a virtual introduction to the Eisenberg Disordered Gambling Emphasized SBIRT (EDGE SBIRT) screening tool.

Other Gambling Resources

To order brochures and posters, logon to AreYouReallyWinning.com and click on Order Materials

If you would like someone to present on gambling to your organization or if you have questions, please contact our gambling program, Kellie Gage, at Kellie.Gage@illinois.gov , or Jim Wilkerson at Jim.Wilkerson@illinois.gov .

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, confidential assistance is available 24/7 at the State's Gambling Helpline: 

  • 1-800-GAMBLER
  • AreYouReallyWinning.com
  • Text "ILGamb" to 833234