American Red Cross Month & Help for Compulsive Gambling

·30 min·3 clips

Florida's gambling helpline contacts doubled in a year, with 43% of sports bettors seeking help under 25.

The episode begins with host Manny Munoz introducing March as a month that highlights various groups, including the American Red Cross. He brings in Lori Arnold, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, who explains that the Red Cross was founded in 1881 and focuses on disaster relief, blood collection, military support, and training. Lori details how March became Red Cross Month in 1943 through a presidential proclamation by Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise funds during World War II. She describes the Red Cross's original goals, which have remained consistent: alleviating human suffering through services like sheltering, feeding, and mental health care during disasters. Lori emphasizes that 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers and discusses ways to get involved, such as donating blood or taking CPR classes. She outlines the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross, including humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, and explains the difference between the Red Cross and Red Crescent symbols. The conversation shifts to the second topic: compulsive gambling. Manny introduces Jennifer Krause, Executive Director of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, noting the increase in legal sports betting from $430 million in 2018 to $11 billion in 2023. Jennifer reports that contacts to Florida's 888-admit-it helpline doubled from 33,000 to 63,000 in one year, with 43% of sports bettors seeking help being 25 years old or younger. She discusses risk factors for gambling addiction, such as unrealistic beliefs about making money and participation in multiple gambling activities. Jennifer mentions that while men historically dominate helpline calls, women are now reaching out for sports betting issues. She explains that gambling addiction is treated differently than substance abuse, requiring certified gambling counselors, and highlights resources for loved ones affected by a gambler's behavior. The episode concludes with a reminder to use state-specific helpline numbers for effective help.

As heard by us

A practical public-service episode about preparing before disaster and finding help when gambling starts to become a problem.

The episode connects two public needs that often depend on preparation and timing: emergency response through the Red Cross and support for people worried about gambling as sports betting becomes more common in America.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get a calm public-service check-in on Red Cross readiness and where to turn if gambling is becoming a problem.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from iHeartRadio Communities