BRIDGEPORT — The Belmont County Partners in Prevention Coalition and the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Belmont, Harrison and Monroe Counties, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, are recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5-8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.

The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.

Throughout March, the Belmont County Partners in Prevention Coalition will disseminate problem gambling information throughout the community to help educate its community members and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling.

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, ncpgambling.org/FAQs.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-426-2537 or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 — it is free and confidential.