Nicasa offers gree gambling disorder screenings in March
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
The National Council on Problem Gambling has named March 10 as National Screening Day, and Nicasa is providing free screenings on this day and others throughout March.
It is estimated that about 10,000 Lake County residents are struggling with a gambling problem.
Whether it be casino gambling, video gaming, lottery, bingo, online gambling or sports betting, there are more opportunities than ever to place a bet in Illinois. Research shows that most people who gamble do so responsibly, but some will develop a problem.
In Lake County, that means about 10,000 or more community members are struggling with a serious gambling problem. Awareness of gambling disorder is low, while the options for gambling are high. People affected by gambling disorder can lose their jobs, savings, homes, families, and even their lives to this condition.
Responding to the needs of the community since 1966, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services has worked closely with local and state government to both prevent and treat such gambling problems. In conjunction with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Nicasa will offer free gambling disorder screenings at various Nicasa offices in Lake County, and, as part of a statewide campaign, in Chicago.
Screenings are available for both gamblers and their loved ones. Refreshments, educational materials and giveaways will be provided. Screenings are available in numerous languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Portuguese and more.
Free gambling disorder screenings will be offered:
• 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 31979 N. Fish Lake Road, Round Lake
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. March 10, James R. Thompson Center, Chicago
• 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2031 Dugdale Road, North Chicago
• 8 a.m. to noon Friday, March 13, 1113 Greenwood Ave., Waukegan
• 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2900 N. Main St., Buffalo Grove
• 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 31979 N. Fish Lake Road, Round Lake
For more information about this or other gambling services, call (847) 546-6450 or email gamblingservices@nicasa.org.
Services are made possible by funding and support from Lake County and the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.