About PhotoVoice
The Massachusetts PhotoVoice Project (MPP) is a youth-led program that uses photography to explore and raise awareness about underage gambling and related issues in local communities. Young people take photos to tell real stories about what they see around them, learn about the root causes of these problems, and come up with ideas to help make a difference.
This project gives youth the tools and confidence to speak up, share their perspectives, and become leaders in creating positive change—especially in communities that face unfair challenges.
Who Supports This Work?
The project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services (OPGS). Since 2016, OPGS has led efforts to prevent and address problem gambling using a public health approach that values data, community voices, and cultural understanding.
Resources
Treatment and Referral Services
- If you or a loved one is seeking help with problem gambling, call 1-800-327-5050 or text: "GAMB" to 800327 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained Specialist. Specialists are available 24/7 and services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
Education and Awareness
- Let’s Get Real About Gambling is a public awareness platform created by the Office of Problem Gambling Services. The platform provides information about the symptoms of problem gambling and provides resources for those at-risk.
- The Let’s Get Real About Gambling Brochure defines problem gambling and explains the signs and symptoms. This brochure also provides information and resources on how to get help and support.
- The Youth & Parents Toolkit is a prevention tool that helps parents understand the risks and signs of problem gambling in youth. This toolkit encourages parents to start conversations with their kids regarding problem gambling.
Technical Assistance Centers for Prevention or Treatment
- The Massachusetts Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling Prevention (MCOE PGP) provides capacity building, training and resource development services to address the prevention of problem gambling and related health issues such as the prevention of substance misuse, suicide and violence. Focusing on shared risk and protective factors allows MCOE PGP to address multiple issues simultaneously and achieve a higher level of impact. MCOE PGP currently provides technical assistance to three prevention projects as well as statewide training to community prevention providers.
- The Massachusetts Problem Gambling Treatment Technical Assistance Center (M-TAC) provides a range of services that build the capacity of outpatient treatment programs to address problem gambling and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, and to reduce health disparities in their communities. The Center offers training, technical assistance, consultation, and other technical support for problem gambling treatment services across the state. The Center is also managing the MA Problem Gambling Specialist (MA-PGS) certificate, the official problem gambling provider certificate in the state.
SMS
1. When you opt-in to the service, we will send you an SMS message to confirm your signup.
2. The MA Problem Gambling Helpline is a state-funded program that connects consumers with referrals for substance use treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and problem gambling services. Texting our number will connect you with a trained Screening and Information Specialist who will ask a few questions in order to link you with appropriate resources and information. Once the conversation has ended you will not receive SMS messages unless you text 800327.
3. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text “STOP” to the short code. After you send the SMS message “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
4. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at helpline@hria.org or 800-327-5050.
5. We are able to deliver messages to the following mobile phone carriers: Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Boost Mobile, Nextel, and Virgin Mobile. Minor carriers: Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless). ***Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages***
6. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. For all questions about the services provided by this short code, you can send an email to helpline@hria.org. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at 800-327-5050.
7. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy: https://gamblinghelplinema.org/privacy-policy/
1. When you opt-in to the service, we will send you an SMS message to confirm your signup.
2. The MA Problem Gambling Helpline is a state-funded program that connects consumers with referrals for substance use treatment, recovery, harm reduction, and problem gambling services. Texting our number will connect you with a trained Screening and Information Specialist who will ask a few questions in order to link you with appropriate resources and information. Once the conversation has ended you will not receive SMS messages unless you text 800327.
3. You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text “STOP” to the short code. After you send the SMS message “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
4. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at helpline@hria.org or 800-327-5050.
5. We are able to deliver messages to the following mobile phone carriers: Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, U.S. Cellular, Alltel, Boost Mobile, Nextel, and Virgin Mobile. Minor carriers: Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless). ***Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages***
6. As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider. For all questions about the services provided by this short code, you can send an email to helpline@hria.org. If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at 800-327-5050.
7. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy: https://gamblinghelplinema.org/privacy-policy/