STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation 

Whereas, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) is recognizing March 1-7, 2009 as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week in New York State;  and

Whereas, this observance provides individuals in the problem gambling community an opportunity to educate the public about the effectiveness of services available to people with this form of addiction;  and

Whereas, problem gambling not only has societal and economic costs, but is a significant public health issue affecting over one million of New York State’s adolescents and adults as well as their loved ones;   results of a recent OASAS survey estimated that five percent (about 668,000) of adults have a gambling problem and nearly 20 percent (about 280,000) of adolescents are at risk for or have a compulsive gambling problem;  and

Whereas, to minimize the harm that problem gambling can cause to both individuals and society as a whole, there are 57 problem gambling programs in communities throughout New York State;  and

Whereas, many individuals, professionals and organizations in New York State are dedicated to educating the public about problem gambling, the effectiveness of prevention, treatment services, and opportunities for recovery;  and

Whereas, New Yorkers with a gambling problem can receive help by calling a new toll-free telephone HOPEline service at 1-877-8-HOPENY – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a week – where clinically trained professionals offer confidential assistance to callers through means of crisis and motivational interviews and follow-up calls, 48 hours later, for those who wish to be contacted;  through the HOPEline, New York’s citizens have access to consumer-focused addiction crisis support and statewide referrals to services;  and

Whereas, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services encourages New Yorkers to join in recognizing National Problem Gambling Awareness Week and seek help for those who may have this form of addiction;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim March 1-7, 2009 as

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

in the Empire State.

G i v e n      under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this nineteenth day of February in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor

Lawrence Schwartz
Secretary to the Governor