DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 3, 1999 DHSS-21-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Jennifer Castleberry Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
STATE AGING DIVISION SEEKS NOMINATIONS TO RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS, ORGANIZATIONS FOR QUALITY OF LIFE CONTRIBUTIONS TO OLDER DELAWAREANS
Attracted by free bus trips, buffet bars, and rolls of quarters, more and more seniors are discovering the excitement of casino and racetrack gambling. For most seniors, gambling is a recreational opportunity. But for a small percentage of the older population, gambling can lead to personal and financial hardship.
On January 29, 1999, a group of senior volunteers will tape a TV program to alert other seniors living in the City of Wilmington to an issue of growing concern in their community- compulsive gambling. The program, which will be shown over cable access TV station, WITN, is a production of the Wilmington Triad, a crime prevention group of senior volunteers sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, (RSVP).
The television program will feature interviews with seniors in recovery from compulsive gambling. It will also provide tips on how to keep gambling from becoming a problem and information on where to turn to for help.
This program on seniors and gambling is the third episode in a series entitled, "Seniors on Safety." Previous programs have explored elder abuse and scams targeting the elderly. "Seniors on Safety" is the result of a collaboration between Channel-22 WITN, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the City of Wilmington, and the Attorney General's Office.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is sponsored by the Division of State Service Centers, Delaware Health and Social Services and the Corporation for National Service. RSVP places adults 55 years of age and older into volunteer assignments that address critical community needs.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
