Gambling: Just Fun or a Problem?

The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Gambling: Just Fun or a Problem?,” a free program on problem gambling issues and treatment resources, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 26. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

Speaker at the program will be Michelle Porche, technical assistance specialist, Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC), Problem Gambling Prevention Technical Assistance and Training. UPAC is dedicated to raising awareness about problem gambling in San Diego. Its gambling addiction treatment program includes group and one-on-one counseling with a licensed clinician and case management services. UPAC is funded by the California Office of Problem Gambling through the UCLA Gambling Studies Program and National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse.

According to Kathy Quinn, Herrick Library director, “Most people who gamble are not problem gamblers, but for some people gambling can lead to serious problems. Join us to learn about the signs of problem gambling as well as prevention strategies and treatment options. Free counseling and treatment options offered by UPAC will be described.”

The Herrick Library, which opened in 2002, is a consumer health public library specializing in health research information, accessible both on-site and via the Internet. The library is operated by the Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County. For more information, phone the library at (619) 825‑5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.