Understanding Gambling Addiction is Topic for MCCC Distinguished Lecture Nov. 19

WEST WINDSOR – Gambling addiction, its impact on families, and the importance of prevention and early intervention will be the topic of a lecture by Donald Weinbaum, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, at Mercer County Community College from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Presented as part of the college’s Distinguished Lecture Series, “Understanding Gambling Addiction: A Growing Community Concern,” will be held in the Communications Building, Room 110, on the college’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The lecture provides an overview of the growing – but often unrecognized – addiction to gambling, and its impact on both families and communities. In addition to key factors in recognizing gambling addiction, Weinbaum will explain the critical roles that health, criminal justice, and other professionals play in increasing awareness about the help available to those affected by the disorder.

Weinbaum has been involved with community corrections and criminal justice programs for more than 15 years, and with health and behavioral health services for 35 years. He is retired from the NJ State Parole board, having served as Chief of Fiscal and Administrative Services from 2005 to 2008, and previously in a number of leadership positions with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Weinbaum played a lead role in establishing the statewide Drug Court treatment network in the mid-1990s and also oversaw DHSS addiction treatment services and offender initiatives. He is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Criminal Justice Professional.

Weinbaum received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Cornell University and holds an MBA in Health Care Administration from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

For more information on MCCC’s Distinguished Lecture Series, call (609) 570-3324 or visit www.mccc.edu/events.