What we talk about

Problem gambling is any type of gambling that disrupts other areas of your life, or the lives of the people around you. Our goal is to help individuals and organizations discuss this serious issue in ways that:

• Develop community-wide awareness of what problem gambling looks like.
• Break down misconceptions and promote healthy communities.
• Find innovative community-driven solutions to promote responsible gambling.

Who we talk to

The short answer is EVERYONE! Complete the form on this page to set up an initial discussion. More specifically, we’ve developed presentations that are targeted to groups at higher risk of problem gambling. These groups include:

• Teens (particularly those who spend significant time online or gaming)
• 18-25 year old men and sports betting enthusiasts
• Faith Based community
• Seniors

We have also developed presentations to community groups who interact regularly with problem gamblers, even if they don’t know it. These include the legal community and criminal justice groups (and parents!), as well as conferences about gambling, addictions and gaming. Learn more about these presentations on our Resources page.

Our Prevention Partners

The following is a list of organizations we work with in the community on prevention matters:

• OHMHAS (Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services)
• ADAMH Board of Franklin County
• Columbus Health Department
• Columbus Recreation and Parks (Barack and Glenwood rec.)
• Columbus City Schools
• Lead the Way Learning Academy
• Be the Village OHIO
• Prevention Alliance
• CI Arts institute
• Cap City Prep
• AACS (Asian American Community Services)
• Lu and Dr. Cora – Asian American Festival
• Marion Franklin Civic
• Ohio Adult Allies – youth led
• UMADOP Federation
• Global Insight productions
• Community in Schools
• North Community Counseling
• Youth to Youth International
• NAMI Franklin County
• MVNU – Mt. Vernon Nazarene University (new Albany branch)

Meet Janet!

Janet Thode, M.A. Education, OCPS, serves as Maryhaven’s Gambling Prevention Coordinator. Prior to joining Maryhaven, Janet spent 9 years working as a Prevention Specialist with agencies in Delaware, Licking and Franklin Counties. Most recently with Syntero, Inc. Janet worked with classroom teachers to present information on the effects of drugs and alcohol on the developing brain and body. Janet also presented information on various social emotional learning topics.

At Syntero, Inc. Janet also served as Youth Diversion Education Program Coordinator, working with youth referred from the juvenile court system as an alternative to criminal charges. Janet also spent 22 years working as a teacher in grades K-2.

Janet has her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from The Ohio State University, and a graduate certificate in substance use prevention from the University of Cincinnati. In her spare time Janet enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Meet the full team here!

Request a Presentation

Complete this short form and our team will contact you!