The Massachusetts Ambassador Project is a participatory, peer-to-peer strategy that trains men of color with a history of substance misuse to lead conversations about the intersection of problem gambling and substance misuse in their community. This innovative approach is designed to reach populations at higher risk for problem gambling.

After receiving training to increase their knowledge of problem gambling prevention, ambassadors contact organizations that serve populations at high risk to establish and/or strengthen partnerships. Their goal is to reach peers who are at a high risk of developing problem gambling. The ambassadors then lead and facilitate individual and group conversations with peers about problem gambling prevention.

The project achieved the following between January 2021 and June 2023:

• Reached 8,098 individuals statewide with problem gambling prevention education and messaging
• Engaged a range of organizations, such as treatment, recovery, social service, corrections, and faith-based entities.
• This initiative shows promise for a sustainable community impact through the engagement of community-based organizations.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Problem Gambling Services currently funds multiple organizations to implement the Massachusetts Ambassador Project including: Gandara Center – Stairway to Recovery, Gandara Center – Hope for Holyoke, and Gandara Center – PIER Recovery.