Washington State has reached a meaningful milestone in community health: for the first time, local gambling prevention grants have been awarded to five grantees across the state — each an existing substance use prevention or tobacco and cannabis prevention program.
"It was important for our program to build upon the success of existing programs in our communities," said Jeremy Whitaker, Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator.
This groundbreaking investment recognizes that problem gambling doesn't exist in isolation. It often intersects with other addictive behaviors, making prevention programs already embedded in local communities the ideal partners to expand this work.
The five awards mark the beginning of a broader effort to bring gambling prevention closer to the people and places that need it most — neighborhood organizations, trusted coalitions, and community-based programs that residents already know and rely on.
The awards went to:
- Grant County Fire District 7
- Northeast ESD 101
- Prosser Thrive
- Skagit Hospital District #304
- Unite! Washougal
By partnering with grantees who have deep roots in their communities, Washington is taking a collaborative, relationship-centered approach to prevention — one that meets people where they are.
For more information, you may contact Jeremy Whitaker.