Townhall II Problem Gambling Prevention Specialist Dr. Amanda Burke was honored posthumously at the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio’s (PGNO) annual conference with the Award of Excellence.
The PGNO Award of Excellence is awarded to those who make significant contributions to the problem gambling service system, encourage collaboration within the field and display continuous advocacy for the field.
“In Amanda’s nominations, the common theme was that she was a pioneer. Several people described her longstanding commitment to problem gambling research, education and advocacy over the years, and how she gained both statewide and national attention for her efforts in collecting problem gambling data,” said Caitlyn McIntosh, PGNO Communications Manager. “Amanda spent her entire career committed to advancing problem gambling research which seemingly had never been done before.”
Burke served as a member of PGNO’s Advisory Board and provided direction and assistance with the Ohio Gambling Survey for more than 10 years. She also served on the prevention committee for the National Council on Problem Gambling and chaired the Social Media and Communications subcommittee. Her efforts brought data about problem gambling behaviors and the perception of problem gambling to the state of Ohio and its legislators. She created presentations for college campuses as well as the child welfare system to educate people about the topic. She took presentations about the hidden risks of gaming as related to problem gambling to schools, parents and the community.
“Amanda brought information and attention to the topic that is rarely seen,” said Sarah McCully, Prevention and Outreach Director at Townhall II who accepted the award on behalf of Burke. “Amanda committed her whole career to problem gambling prevention and awareness. Her dedication to this was early in the work of problem gambling prevention. Because of this, she was recognized as a leader not only in Ohio, but at a national level as well.”
Townhall II continues to utilize Burke’s work in its treatment programs as well as its prevention programs.
“Not a week goes by where Amanda is not brought up by our staff or our clients,” says Tamera Hunter, CEO of Townhall II. “We are all fortunate to have worked with her and to have her share her expertise and passion with us and the community as a whole. Our community is better for her sharing a big part of herself with us. She is missed greatly.”
March is Problem Gambling Awareness month. If you, or someone you know, have gambling problems, please call 330-678-HELP (4357). Our crisis helpline is staffed 24/7/365. Townhall II also hosts Ohio’s statewide problem gambling treatment group. Call our main office at 330-678-3006, if you are interested in joining.
