Multicultural Training Outreach Committee
This committee was formed in May 2022 with the goal of bringing together professionals in the field of problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery. This committee aims to create and promote existing multicultural trainings and outreach events happening across Connecticut. Committee members are dedicated to enhancing and engaging further with special populations and underserved communities who are at greater risk for gambling harm.
This committee is made up of voluntary members that meet virtually the second Monday of every month from 2:00-3:00 pm.
If you are interested in learning more about this committee or joining, please reach out to Haley Brown, CPS (She/Her/Hers) Primary Prevention Services Coordinator with DMHAS, Problem Gambling Services. Haley also coordinates this committee and can be reached via email- [email protected]
Know The Risks Campaign
This campaign is a partnership with ThinkArgus, a marketing company who specializes in cultural diversity as well as problem gambling awareness messaging. This campaign initiative was developed out of the need to increase gambling awareness among historically underserved communities and special populations who are at greater risk for gambling-related harm. This initiative highlights risks associated with gambling, warning signs of problem gambling, data, and guidance on responsible gambling. This campaign consists of billboards, bus tails, a web-based landing page, a digital tool kit, social media messages, brochures, posters, flyers, and outreach materials. Some of these materials are offered in both English and Spanish.
Multicultural Problem Gambling Prevention Initiative
In partnership with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), this initiative will greatly increase efforts to connect further with special populations and multicultural communities to increase awareness and prevent problem gambling-related harm. CCPG will release an RFA in the fall of 2025 to identify and fund up to five (5) organizations within the five (5) DMHAS regions. Selected organizations will utilize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to design and promote prevention activities that help to understand culturally based motives to gamble and increase protective factors within communities to decrease the harm associated with gambling. Sign up for updates and announcements by sharing your email on the home page.
Problem Gambling Awareness Through the Arts Initiative
In partnership with The Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition, this was an exciting opportunity to pilot a new initiative with an innovative approach to reach culturally diverse communities. The Cultural Coalition released an RFA in the fall of 2023 to fund artists or organizations within Eastern Connecticut to increase problem gambling awareness among special populations and multicultural communities through a creative lens and an arts-based approach.
Five (5) participating artists and organizations:
- Bet on Black Event- A jazz ensemble, poetry, and music performance all focusing on the impact of problem gambling within the black community. This event had over 100 participants.
- Cape Verdean Festival– The Cape Verdean Santiago Society, Inc. hosted a scavenger hunt with different facts and information on problem gambling and how it affects underserved communities and families. They also distributed information, materials, and awareness through music which reached over 3,000 attendees
- Winning Ways “Spit and Paint™” – Spit and Paint™” utilized spoken word, live music, community conversation, and painting to understand and prevent problem gambling. Two workshops and awareness spread through social media reached over 700 individuals.
- New London & Mystic Pride Events- The Cultural Coalition, Local Artists, and UCFS all partnered for these two (2) events. They supported the LGBTQIA+ community through innovative art projects, conversations around gambling harm and responsible gambling, resources, and promotion through various social media platforms. Events were promoted through Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Out CT, Cultural Coalition, and local artists reaching over 58,000 individuals and families.
- Artreach Theatrical Program- Will be hosting five (5) monologues, each written and performed by a theater artist representing a special population at greater risk for problem gambling. Each monologue will address different elements related to gambling harm and represent a specific cultural aspect. This will be offered live and will have a recorded version.
