Sunday, February 11, 2007

Oregon middle-school students are invited to enter artwork for a 2008
calendar that will be used to increase problem gambling awareness. An
estimated 75,000 adult Oregonians experience problems related to their
gambling, which also impacts children and families. "This is a chance for
students both to learn more about the risks of gambling and to capture the
attention of parents and educators who may not have problem gambling on
their radar as a health issue to look out for," said Jeff Marotta, problem
gambling services manager in the state Department of Human Services.
Teachers are invited to encourage students to participate during Oregon
Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 5-11. Gift certificates ranging from
$25 to $100 will be awarded to 12 students and two teachers. Artwork should
be entered on white, letter-size paper with the name of the student artist,
grade level, school and teacher's name on the back. Entries should be
submitted to DHS's Greta Coe at 500 N.E. Summer St., N.E., E-86, Salem, OR
97301.