Gambling Money Funds Tribal Wellness Center in Washington

Money from legalized gambling has gone to many good causes. Many states are funding their children's education with gambling money. In Washington, anew wellness center has been built thanks to money generated from gambling.

The Kalispel tribe has come forward and built the $18 million Camas Center for Community Wellness on its reservation in Northeast Washington. The building is 7,700 square feet.

The center was built in hopes of getting people within the Kalispel tribe to eat right and to get into shape. It is in response to the many medical conditions that are plaguing their, and other Native American tribes.

American Indians are far worse off than other Americans when it comes to health numbers. Diabetes is 2.6 times more likely in American Indians compared to other Americans. Life expectancy is six years less, and suicide rates are twice the national average.

The Kalispel tribe is not the first to try and combat the problem. Several other tribes have already built wellness centers in hopes of educating and helping tribe members to stay healthy.

"This is for the children. They are the ones who will benefit," said Stan Bluff, Kalispel tribal elder. The center is just one of many examples that shows just how beneficial gambling money can be in communities.

February 12, 2008
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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