SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The city ofSpringfieldis taking action to help people with a gambling addiction.<\/p>\n
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is fundingapilot program, to prevent and reduce theeffects of gambling on Springfield residents.<\/p>\n
Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans. The Springfield Health Department will lead the citys new pilot program thatll perform research on gambling and connect community health workers with gambling addicts.<\/p>\n
MGM opened in August of 2018, said Helen Coulton-Harris, Springfield Health Commissioner. That really changed the landscape for us. We really understand we need to be at the forefront.<\/p>\n
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has a program of their own at MGM Springfield to help people with gambling addictions. Its calledGameSenseand they want to work in collaboration with the city to help gambling addicts.<\/p>\n
GameSenseadvisor, AmyGabrilatold 22News, the need and the want is there, how best can we collaborate with community health workers and services to make sure these people get the help they need.<\/p>\n
Gabrilatold 22News theyll meet with addicts 1 on 1 to determine budget strategies and how to limit their time gambling.<\/p>\n
Research shows that gambling tends to be more common among people with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and people ofcolor.<\/p>\n
Gabrilasaid they just had a spike in the number of people who signed up for their program at MGM since the start of the new year.<\/p>\n
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