Oregon middle school students are invited to submit artwork for the 2009 Oregon Department of Human Services calendar designed to increase awareness of problem gambling.

The sixth annual art search is conducted in partnership with local problem gambling prevention and outreach coordinators. Twelve artistic designs will be chosen for next year’s calendar. Entry deadline is March 21.

Approximately 75,000 adult Oregonians experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

“The calendar features young people’s views on problem gambling, expressed through art, and helps us spread the word that gambling can be risky in more ways than people think,” said Paul Potter, DHS problem gambling services manager. “Some teens and adults will go on to develop serious problems because of their gambling. The calendar will help raise awareness of a problem that affects one in 45 Oregonians.”

Artwork should be entered on letter-size white paper with the name of the student artist, grade level, school and city on the back. DHS and its partners will judge the entries. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $50 will be awarded to the 12 students whose work is selected.

Submit entries to Greta Coe, Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., E86, Salem, OR 97301.

Details about the contest, including suggested art themes, are online at www.oregon.gov/DHS/

addiction/gambling.shtml

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Democrat-Herald