10th Annual Problem Gamblers Awareness Day, September 29

For Immediate Release 9/28/05

PROBLEM GAMBLERS AWARENESS DAY RALLY—10 YEARS OF COMMEMORATING HOPE FOR PROBLEM GAMBLERS

Contact: Ronda Hatefi 541.688.7101

When: Thursday, September 29 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Where: State Capitol steps, Salem

Citizens and family will hold a rally to commemorate the life of Bobby Hafemann, and to celebrate hope and help available for problem gamblers and their family members. Ten years ago, when 28-year-old Hafemann’s gambling got out of control, he lost hope and took his own life. Since then, his sister, Ronda Hatefi has made a commitment to increase awareness in Oregon about the issue of problem gambling. Founding Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization in 1995, Ronda is currently organizing the 10th annual rally on Bobby’s birthday, September 29, with a “then and now” retrospective of gambling and problem gambling services in Oregon. At the end of the rally, doves will be released (weather permitting) to symbolize the hope and freedom from gambling addiction.

SPEAKERS:

• Ronda Hatefi, Event Organizer; President, Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization—will be sharing her brother’s story and her involvement in the last 10 years with helping raise awareness about problem gambling
• Jeffrey J. Marotta, Ph.D., Problem Gambling Services Manager, Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health & Addiction Services—will be speaking about the history of gambling in Oregon in the last 10 years as well as treatment services available to all Oregonians
• Julie Hynes, Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator, Lane County Health & Human Services—will be talking about prevention efforts in Oregon and how people can help others in their communities
• Karl, gambler in recovery — will be sharing his story
• Available for interviews:
  - Youth family member of a gambler
  - Other family members and loved ones
  
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
  
  While the majority of people gamble with few or no adverse consequences, the rate of problem gambling has risen as gambling opportunities have become more available. Research shows over 60,000 Oregonian adults and an additional 10,000 teens experience problems with gambling. This growing issue affects individual problem gamblers, their families and communities, and causes enormous social, economic, and psychological costs.
  
  Ten years ago, Bobby Hafemann and other problem gamblers had few resources to help with gambling problems. Hafemann’s sister Ronda Hatefi knows there are people who continue to need the help, but are unaware that help is available. Fortunately, more people in Oregon are seeking help for gambling problems than ever before. Of Oregon’s 1,400 gambling treatment clients in 2004, one in four had suicidal thoughts in the months prior to treatment, one in four said their gambling cost them a marriage of significant relationship, and one in three admitted to committing crimes to finance gambling. Getting help early is key to saving lives and avoiding the pain that Bobby Hafemann’s family knows too well.
  
  Hatefi said of her efforts, “It is very important to me to let people know that there is help, it is free, confidential and it does work…My motto has not changed in 10 years, No Problem Gambler Stands Alone.”
  
  Anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling problem can get free help by calling the statewide problem gambling Help Line at 877-2-STOP-NOW (877-278-6766). People can get more information about problem gambling at Lane County’s problem gambling prevention website, www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling.