Empower Tusc kicking off Lunch-n-Learn series with session on gambling
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 17, 2022) – Community members are getting a chance to spend their lunch hour learning about the topics that have been weighing on the minds of prevention advocates.
Empower Tusc is hosting a series of virtual Lunch-N-Learns the next four Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm. Coordinator Jodi Salvo says the first one this week will focus on the legalization of sports betting across Ohio come January 1st and the uptick in problem gambling that could follow.
“We do know with problem gambling, the population at greatest risk is those between the ages of 18 and 25, but we’ve never opened it up and with our young people seeing commercials and promotion for sports betting, we probably just need a little more information on that topic.”
The group’s second Lunch-n-Learn on October 26th will examine the connection between prescription drug misuse and addiction, while the third on November 2nd will focus on the current vaping trend that Salvo says is making it easier than ever for young people to get hooked on nicotine.
“We’re trying this out to see when can we best engage adults, and we thought lunchtime might be a great way for anyone who’s at work, whether they’re a professional in the field or a family member or community member, so we’re giving it a try.”
Counselors, therapists, and other professionals will earn continuing education credits for participating in these free, interactive training sessions that will take place via Zoom. Salvo says you can access them with the meeting id number on the flyer that’s posted on Empower Tusc’s Facebook page.
“The Zoom link is the same on all the Lunch-n-Learns, so as soon as someone goes to Empower Tusc, they can just download the Zoom link, put it on their calendar for the next four weeks and just jump on, and I think everyone will enjoy the speakers and the content.”
Salvo is still trying to line up a speaker for the final Lunch-n-Learn on November 9th, which will be on suicide prevention.