Project Director: Heather Gray, PhD
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services via Health Resources in Action
Timeline: 2020 – 2030
The Division is collaborating with Health Resources in Action (HRiA) to develop and implement the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment (M-TAC). M-TAC offers broad-based and targeted capacity building, technical assistance, and training services to build the capacity of Massachusetts problem gambling treatment service providers to deliver effective treatment programs for those at risk for or disproportionately impacted by gambling disorder and other co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. M-TAC uses research, evidence-based strategies, and a health equity framework to help providers address the social determinants of health that lead to inequities among those affected by gambling disorder.
In 2024, in addition to its ongoing training and technical assistance work, the Division will support HRiA’s 2024 Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Gambling Disorder Screening Day (GDSD) activities. This includes helping with planning, designing and conducting CE-approved training and trainings for first time GDSD hosts, as well as creating a toolkit for hosts. As the originators of this event, we’re delighted that M-TAC is supporting GDSD in Massachusetts.
M-TAC’s first year of activities is summarized in Preparing Massachusetts treatment providers for gambling expansion: Initial observations from a statewide needs assessment and capacity building program, presented at the International Center for Responsible Gaming 2021 Virtual Conference Poster Session.