Teton County accepts state grant for gambling‑prevention education and treatment

Health Director Travis Bridal briefed the board on a state allotment for prevention and treatment of problematic gambling behavior, describing it as the county’s third year of funding under a state statute and noting the amount—$15,939.87—was determined by a statewide formula based on adult population.

Bridal said the funds are being used for community‑awareness campaigns and for building treatment capacity by identifying and training local clinicians who can provide low‑cost or reimbursed interventions. “This is funding for prevention of problematic gambling behavior that we've received from the state,” he said, and acknowledged the county lacks local prevalence data.

Board members pressed on whether the amount is sufficient to fund both outreach and clinician reimbursement; staff said the sum is modest and that prior years have prioritized awareness. Jody Pond, administrator, explained prior outreach and the plan to recruit and train at least one locally trained clinician to accept referrals.

Commissioner Probst moved to accept FY26 funding from the Wyoming Department of Health to continue the program; Commissioner Gardner seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.