Believe it or not, problem gambling was first formally classified as a mental disorder more than 40 years ago. And it officially became viewed as an addiction more than a decade ago.
That classification in the Diagnostic Statistic Manual (DSM-5) was a year after the casinos first opened in Ohio (2012). Then last year, legal sports betting arrived on the scene.
Naturally the depth and breadth of the care we can and have offered to problem gamblers has dramatically increased over the last decade plus. And that’s thanks largely to our own Bruce Jones.
Bruce, who has been with us at Maryhaven since 2000, started the gambling program here at Maryhaven 15 years ago and guided it into the best-practice program it is today, one of 10 in the State of Ohio.
He’s counseled hundreds of individuals in their recovery from gambling addiction, advocated for funding that made services free to gamblers and their loved ones here in Franklin County, and made sure to shine a light on the issue by appearing in numerous interviews and serving on the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio Board.
In short, Bruce Jones has been synonymous with Maryhaven’s Gambling Intervention Program and with the evolution of treatment across the state.
“Since taking on the role as Problem Gambling Specialist with Mental Health and Addictions, I have crossed paths with hundreds of people. Few have had the impact that Bruce has had on me and the services we provide as a state,” said Scott Anderson with the State of Ohio. “We have learned together, presented at conferences together and trudged the road of happy destiny together. When Bruce learned that I was moving, he showed up to help and brought me a housewarming gift that hangs in my home and reminds me every day that true wealth is measured in friends.”
While we are sad to see him retire from his role as Administrative Coordinator, we’re happy for him that he’ll soon have more time to spend travelling and visiting his family. We’re also thankful that he has lent his expertise to train the next generation on problem gambling experts and has left our program in great hands (more on that next week)!
“Bruce was a mentor and leader when I first arrived at Maryhaven. He was always pleasant, positive, and a joy to be around,” said Mike Gersz, Maryhaven’s Director of Outpatient Services. “The one thing that stands out above anything else, is his love, dedication, and admiration to his family. He loves his family and always loves showing them off to us. When I think of Bruce Jones, I think of family. Maryhaven will lose one of its family members with his retirement and our staff, clients, and their families are all in a better place with the work that he has done.”
Thank You, Bruce!
