COALITION ACHIEVEMENTS 2026
August 4, 2026 National Night Out
Held at Owl’s Nest Park in Cincinnati’s Evanston and East Walnut Hills neighborhoods. From left to right: Rose L. Henderson, MA, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, Director of Counseling Services for Addiction Sciences at UC Health; Mayor of Cincinnati Aftab Pureval; and Jamila Richardson, BA, MA, CDCA, Chemical Dependency Counselor at UC Health.
One of 12 Coalitions awarded Ohio Coalition Institute Grant (June-October 2026)
Thank you and congratulations to Eric M. Stone, MBA, LPCC-S, LICDC, Jamie Hopkins, LSW, LICDC-GAMB, and Michael Ramirez for their application selected as 1 of 12 by the Ohio Coalition Institute. Through a combination of in-person training, individualized coaching, peer learning, and practical application, participants enhanced knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage coalition operations, engage members, and sustain community impact.
May 29, 2026 - Problem Gambling Financial Chaos CE Day
On Friday, May 29, 2025, the Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Coalition of Southwest Ohio hosted a Problem Gambling CE Day, offering 3 continuing education units (CEUs) to participants both in person and virtually via Zoom at no cost. The event featured Nan Franks, M.A., LPCC, LICDC, who presented on the critical connection between problem gambling and financial well-being. Participants explored how gambling disorder can contribute to financial instability, including debt, secrecy, financial crises, and strained family relationships, as well as the role financial stress can play in perpetuating the cycle of gambling. The session also focused on practical strategies for financial recovery, including debt assessment, spending plans, financial boundaries, accountability structures, safeguards, and rebuilding trust with family members. Participants gained tools to help individuals and families regain financial stability and develop a stronger foundation for recovery. The event was co-sponsored by the Center for Addiction Treatment, Northern Kentucky University School of Social Work, and the University of Cincinnati School of Social Work.
May 2026 - Pro Seniors Fraud Prevention Expo
Coalition Board of Directors member Nan Franks interviewed live by popular WDBZ 1230am radio host Lincoln Ware
March 6 - Problem Gambling CE Day
Hosted by Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Nabil Pervaiz, MS, OCPS, ICPS, explored sports betting trends in Ohio, their impact on college communities, and the importance of anti-harassment education on campuses. Treatment Approaches for Disordered Gambling among Minorities in America presented by Abdullah Mahmood, LSW, LICDC-GAMB, ICGC-I, OCPS, ICPS. Cincinnati State Co-Chairs: Eric S. Smith, MHPA, LSW, CDCA & Holly Stoddard, MSSA, LISW, LICDC, Addiction Studies & Human and Social Services Program Chair/Instructor
March 2026 - Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Property Tours
Locations:
- Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
-Miami Valley Gaming, 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, Ohio 45036
- Belterra Park Cincinnati, 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
Coalition Achievements 2025
December 5, 2025 - Problem Gambling CE Day, UC Blue Ash College
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.
November 13 - 14, 2025 - NASW Ohio Chapter Conference, Columbus, Ohio
Gabrielle Bradley and Mary Wiseman served as representation at the Coalition exhibit table.
October 5, 2025 - Out of the Darkness Walk
Sawyer Park, Downtown Cincinnati
Hosted by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Ohio Chapter
September 5th, 2025 - Problem Gambling CE Day Warren County - Focus on Older Adults!
Sept. 5, 2025 was a great day for the Coalition. Jeff Rhein, Deputy Director of Outpatient, SUD, Crisis & Criminal Justice Services at the Mental Health Recovery Board for Warren and Clinton counties, chaired our CE Day focused on problem gambling and older adults. Sessions included Addressing and Preventing Ageism (2 CEUs) with Sarah Gentry, LISW-S, and Problem Gambling with Older Adults (1 CEU) presented by Jeff Rhein, MRC, PCC-S, LICDC-CS.
The training served 55 participants from Ohio counties including Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Miami, Montgomery, Ottawa, Stark, Warren, and Wayne, as well as Kentucky’s Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties. Five attendees were UC social work students or recent graduates pursuing the GAMB endorsement. Event co-sponsored by Mental Health Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton County, Council on Aging Southwest Ohio and UC School of Social Work.
September 2025 - Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM)
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.
July 16-18, 2025 National Problem Gambling Conference
A number of Coalition members attended: Tennille Ali, Gabrielle Bradley, Gwen Brown, Cindy Chizewick, Amanda Constantino, Nan Franks, Deb Hater, Rachel Johnson, Elisa Kibbey, Noreen Loftus-Spilman, Gregory Stewart, Mary Wolfe
June 6, 2025 Problem Gambling CE Day
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
April 11, 2025 Problem Gambling CE Day
Held at the Center for Addiction Treatment, 834 Ezzard Charles Drive, the event brought together 59 in-person and online participants. Sessions included “Intersection of Mental Health and Gambling Disorder” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Rachel Johnson, PhD, MS, LPCC-S, Chair of the Problem Gambling Coalition, and “Harm Reduction” (1.5 CEUs) presented by Holly Stoddard, MSSA, LISW, LICDC, Program Chair and Instructor for Addiction Studies & Human and Social Services.
Feb 21, 2025 Problem Gambling CE Day
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)!