Problem gambling is focus of March 28 panel discussion

A panel of nationally certified gambling counselors will join two individuals who will share their life experiences relative to problem gambling when Salve Regina hosts a public event as part of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Sponsored by the Department of Social Work and the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG), the event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 in the O’Hare Academic Center, Room 260.

The panel of experts will facilitate a discussion about the interrelationship between problem gambling, domestic violence and substance abuse. The RICPG is working locally to improve public awareness of problem gambling, and advocating for increased prevention, education, treatment and research to benefit the gambler, the gambler’s family and the community.

Panelists include:

Marty Madden

Madden has more than 20 years of experience in the field of substance abuse and more than 15 years in gambling, all while being involved in the RICPG’s residential program. Clean and sober for more than 30 years, Madden coordinates the gambling program at Bridgemark Addiction Recovery Services.

Henry R. Lesieur

With a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Psy.D. in clinical psychology from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Lesieur is a licensed clinical psychologist and vice president of the RICPG. He has treated problem gamblers as well as individuals with a wide range of other disorders, and has run workshops and given numerous professional presentations on problem gambling and addictions.

Janet Barry Rogers

Barry Rogers is a nationally certified gambling counselor who works to educate youths and their families in various environments, including individuals’ homes, schools, hospitals, and behavioral health care facilities, as well as the criminal justice system. Her work also includes guiding and educating the perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse.