Interviews Tuesday: Gambling Disorders And Mental Health Month -05/23/25

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 26, 2025): Nearly 90,000 Oregon adults have moderate to severe gambling problems, and another 180,000 are at risk for a gambling disorder, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Young people are not immune, with an estimated 25,000 Oregon adolescents ages 12 to 17 at risk for gambling issues.

 

The rapid rise of online betting platforms has made gambling easier to access than ever before, fueling concerns about addiction and its impact on mental health. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is bringing attention to the connection between mental health disorders and gambling addiction and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help.

 

"Problematic gambling or gambling addiction often go hand in hand with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health issues," said Eric Tran, MD, an addiction psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente in the Portland metro area. "While gambling may temporarily seem exciting or joyful, this diminishes over time. In the long run, the gambling can create an unhealthy cycle and sow more distress."

 

Depression and anxiety disorders are known risk factors in the progression of gambling disorders, but early detection and treatment can prevent further complications.

 

"Gambling disorders, along with other substance use disorders or behavioral addictions, are treatable mental health conditions that deserve attention and compassion," Dr. Tran added. "At Kaiser Permanente, mental health clinicians—including medical providers, counselors, case managers, and peer support—work with patients to create personalized care plans to address patients’ individual goal and circumstances. We believe treating the addiction, mental health, and the patient holistically leads to the greatest results,” Dr. Tran explained. "We offer a combination of therapy, groups, medication, and self-help resources. There’s a great wealth of resources and we want to make sure our members know that support is readily available."

 

Kaiser Permanente supports the Oregon Health Authority’s efforts to address gambling disorders by encouraging the use of Evive, a new, free app designed to help Oregonians reduce or stop gambling. Available for both Apple and Android devices, Evive provides flexible tools, including access to professionally trained counselors, peer support, and self-directed strategies, at no cost to Oregonians. It's designed to reach individuals wherever they are, whether they're ready for treatment or just thinking about making a change.

 

Interviews available:

Eric Tran, MD, psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews on Tuesday, May 27 from 10:45-11:45 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

 

Dr. Tran is prepared to discuss:

• The connection between mental health conditions and gambling addiction
• Early warning signs gambling is becoming a problem
• How family history and genetics can affect gambling risk
• How integrated, personalized mental health care results in improved outcomes
• How early intervention tools like the Evive app can help reduce stigma and access barriers to care
• Tips for helping a loved one who may be struggling

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE  
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve nearly 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org 

Interviews Today: Sunday Parkways Kickoff In Southwest Portland (Photo) -05/18/25

Get ready to walk, bike, roll and celebrate healthy, active living on the open streets of Southwest Portland as Portland Sunday Parkways, Presented by Kaiser Permanente, kicks off the first of four events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Sunday, May 18.

 

Join us for our 18th year as founding and presenting sponsor of the city’s biggest family street party, where we encourage neighbors to come out and celebrate good fun and good health. This beloved free community event promises a day of fun-filled activities for all ages along two scenic routes through Southwest Portland: a 2-mile bike, walk or run route and a 3.6-mile walking route connecting Gabriel Park, Spring Garden Park, and Multnomah Village.

 

“As a health care organization, we know there is a strong link between physical activity and health and mental wellness,” said Wendy Watson, president of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Our sponsorship represents our commitment to promote civic pride, support local businesses, and encourage people-powered modes of transportation. Encouraging people to walk, ride and bike Sunday Parkways with friends and family is a great way for everyone to get out, get active and get to know their neighbors, while also allowing us to improve community health."

 

Interviews Available: 

Media are invited to the Kaiser Permanente “NOURISH” booth in front of Thinker Toys in Multnomah Village (7784 S.W. Capitol Hwy.) from 11 a.m. to noon for interviews with Wendy Watson, President of Kaiser Permanente Northwest. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule or stop by.

 

Visuals:

• People enjoying fresh produce samples in the NOURISH booth at Multnomah Village. 
• Community members painting a large-scale mural in the Multnomah Village CONNECT booth, supporting mental health. The finished piece will be donated to a local school or nonprofit. 
• Children and adults playing life-size Jenga, Connect Four, and bean bag toss in the PLAY booth at Gabriel Park. 
• Heart-healthy strength training demonstrations at the MOVE booth in Spring Garden Park. 
• Families participating in the popular Kaiser Permanente Sticker Hunt — those who visit all four Kaiser Permanente booths and collect every sticker win a prize. 
• Portlanders walking, biking, and rolling along two beautiful Southwest Portland routes, while enjoying live music, food, and family-friendly fun.​

“Sunday Parkways represents everything that’s great about Portland, said Watson. “Friends and neighbors of all backgrounds interact in ways they may not otherwise, and people of all ages and abilities enjoy moving their bodies in a safe environment. We’re proud to partner with the City as the Founding and Presenting Sponsor of Sunday Parkways for the 18th year and continue providing fun, healthy and memorable experiences for our Portland communities.” 

 

Save the date for all four day-long celebrations in 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: 

• Sunday, May 18 in Southwest Portland 
• Sunday, June 29 in Northeast Cully 
• Sunday, July 27 in East Portland 
• Sunday, September 14 in Downtown Portland 

During each event, Portland's streets will be transformed into accessible, family-friendly routes closed to car traffic. This creates a safe space for everyone to explore neighborhood greenways, parks and community spaces — while sampling food, enjoying live entertainment, and discovering new ways to move and thrive. 

 

More Information: Visit kp.org/sundayparkways for route maps and details.