WHEREAS, the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Maine Council on Problem Gambling have designated March 2024 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, problem gambling is a public health issue affecting Mainers of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds and the 2021 Survey of Problem Gambling Services in the United States estimated that 24,647 people in Maine have a gambling problem; and WHEREAS, problem gambling is treatable, and treatment is effective in minimizing harm to individuals, families, and society as a whole; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine has established the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund, providing Maine residents access to no-cost treatment services, as well as supporting problem gambling education, prevention, intervention and recovery; and WHEREAS, for those struggling with a gambling problem, 211 Maine operates a free 24-hour helpline available by dialing 211 or texting your zip code to 898-211; and WHEREAS, numerous organizations, such as the Maine Council on Problem Gambling, AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, the Maine Lottery, the Department of Public Safety Gambling Control Unit, Portland Recovery Community Center, Searsport Counseling Associates, and 211 Maine, all work together with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention to address problem gambling;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim March 2024 as

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to seek help if they or a loved one is struggling with a gambling problem.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twentieth day of February Two Thousand Twenty-Four