Preventionfocus is partnering with the New York Council on Problem Gambling on the YOU(th) Decide outreach project. You(th) Decide NY is a youth project started by the NY Council on Problem Gambling to increase media literacy skills and dispel myths about gambling. For this project our primary target audience is youth ages 12-17, and their parents.

YOU(th) Decide is designed to be a multi-dimensional prevention effort aimed at reducing underage gambling. By participating in the YOU(th) Decide Project, Preventionfocus, Inc. will educate youth, work with local community leaders to decrease the availability of gambling at family and youth-focused events and will conduct media and outreach campaigns.

Underage gambling brings with it a number of negative consequences, including, but not limited to:
• Increased likelihood of developing a gambling addiction;
• Increased risk of delinquency and crime;
• Damaged relationships and poor academic performance;
• Mental health issues including depression and substance abuse disorders;
• Overall poor general health;
• And attempted and completed suicide.

Preventionfocus will be offering youth problem gambling media literacy training upon request. We are also seeking youth/adult teams who want to be involved advocating for gambling free events and /or gambling policies in their school and/or community. For further information please contact Cheryl Stevens at (716) 884-3256 or email cstevens@preventionfocus.org.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling. The Council maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

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If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, HELP is available statewide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call toll free 1-877-8HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369)