Coalition Achievements 2025-2026

 This training featured two educational sessions focused on sports betting and responsible gaming in collegiate settings. “Sports Betting in Collegiate Athletics: Trends and Resources” (1 CEU) was presented by Carey Wheelhouse, PhD, PA-C, Director of Health Promotion at the NCAA Sport Science Institute. “Know Your Play: Educating College Students on Responsible Gaming” (1 CEU) was presented by Cory Brown, MPA, OCPC, ICPS, Gaming Policy & Consumer Protection Manager at EPIC Global Solutions, along with Mary Makley Wolff, MS, OCPC, ICPS, Coordinator of the Hamilton County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Participants represented six Ohio counties—Butler, Clermont, Franklin, Hamilton, Stark, and Warren—as well as Campbell County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana.

Sawyer Park, Downtown Cincinnati
Hosted by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Ohio Chapter 

Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). This month-long initiative, led by the American Gaming Association, focused on promoting responsible gambling habits, educating consumers, and supporting industry professionals. RGEM aims to increase awareness of problem gambling, provide resources for those struggling, and encourage responsible play within the gaming industry.  

The University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences hosted this hybrid training in partnership with the UC School of Social Work and the Hamilton County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Led by Event Chair Dr. Gregory Stewart, the event brought together 55 participants both online and in person.

The program featured two key sessions: “Empowering Hope: A Comprehensive Training for Suicide Prevention in the Black Community” (1.5 CEUs) presented by LaToya Logan, MSSA, LISW-S, ABD, Founder and CEO of Project LIFT Services, and “Problem Gambling in the Workplace” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Scott Anderson.

This collaborative training advanced awareness, prevention strategies, and workforce readiness around suicide prevention and problem gambling within the region.

Pictured on the bottom: LaToya Logan, Founder/CEO, Project LIFT Services and Tammy Sanderson, Co-Chair of the Coalition Outreach Committee & Wade Ford representing Hamilton County Suicide Prevention Coalition

This CE was held at UC Clermont and had 50 participants. Presenter Nan Franks, M.A., LPC, LICDC (pictured right), the former CEO of the Alcoholism Council of the Cincinnati Area, NCADD. She has worked in the behavioral health field since 1973. Her work in the last 30 years has focused on addictive illness and it’s effect on individuals, families and community.

Topics Presented: Financial implications of gambling (1.5 ceu) and Problem Gambling Treatment Ethics (1.5 ceus)

Thank you to event Chair Jennifer M. Radt (pictured left)! 

Enthusiastic volunteers from Coalition Outreach Committee served in various roles, including walking in the event and assisting at Coalition booth. Their participation was invaluable in making this event a success and in helping to spread awareness about this important cause. 

 More than 100 attendees participated via Zoom and earned 4.5 CEUs in problem gambling prevention and treatment. The training featured three sessions: “Problem Gambling and Suicide Lethality” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Michael A. Buzzelli, MA, MPH, OCPS, Associate Director of PGNO; “Financial Awareness and Gambling” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Nan Franks, MA, LPC, LICDC, former CEO of the Alcoholism Council of Cincinnati; and “Integrating Problem Gambling Prevention with Substance Misuse Prevention” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Claire Spada, OCPC, ICPS, Workforce Development Manager at PGNO. Special thanks to Event Chair Nathaniel Johnson and Vice Chair for Communications Janina Moman. 

 In April 2024, the Coalition expanded community outreach through tabling at two major regional events. On April 20, the Coalition participated in the Invest in Neighborhood Summit, engaging with more than 300 participants representing Cincinnati’s 52 neighborhoods. Later that month, on April 29, the Coalition tabled at the 20th Annual Closing the Health Gap Health Expo at Washington Park in Cincinnati, which drew nearly 10,000 attendees. These events provided valuable opportunities to share prevention resources, raise awareness, and strengthen connections across the community. 

 March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month held to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services. 

Thank you to Mr. Jim O'Connor, M.Ed., Princeton High School Teacher for inviting the Problem Gambling Coalition to exhibit at Princeton High School's first Financial Fitness Fair. The Coalition was represented by (photo L to R) Prevention Outreach Committee Chair, Cindy Chizewick and Vice Chair for Communications, Madison Noble.