MPHA Member Spotlight: Lori Manson

May 15, 2026

How long have you been an MPHA Member, and what do you find most valuable about your MPHA membership?

I’ve been a member for about 2 years. MPHA keeps me updated about many critical facets of public health in our state, creates opportunities to connect with others, and often gives me ideas for ways to spread awareness of problem gambling. For example, when I read in the newsletter that MPHA was starting the Healthy Maine Talks podcast, I reached out right away. Maine was just about to launch mobile sports betting. I was pleased to talk about what we expected for impact and what we were doing to scale services in preparation. 

Can you share a bit about your current role?

I’ve been the Problem Gambling Services Coordinator at ADEPT (formerly AdCare) for 7 years. We have the contract with Maine CDC to administer all problem gambling services in Maine. Until recently, I was the only employee on that contract. I immersed myself in the field regionally and nationally to learn as much as possible and gain ideas to grow services and resources without reinventing the wheel. I coordinate workforce development, no-cost counseling services, and free financial counseling for Mainers concerned with gambling problems. I assist people with the self-exclusion process which opts them out of gambling with regulated operators in Maine. I speak to people who are experiencing problems, or concerned family members, and educate them about which services and resources would be most beneficial. I respond to any requests for assistance related to problem gambling from schools, universities, the press, students doing projects, etc. I do presentations for any Maine organization that wants to learn about the basics of problem gambling, how it impacts their target population, and the services and resources available to help. 

Tell me a little bit about your path to public health, and who or what inspires you in your work? 

I hadn’t expected my path to take me here, but I’m very glad it did. I absolutely love my work, and I know it makes a difference. In a previous HR role, one of my favorite aspects was providing the training people needed to progress in their careers. That led me to a role as Workforce Development Coordinator at AdCare (now ADEPT). Interacting with professionals in Maine’s mental health and addictions workforce ended up leading to my current role as the Problem Gambling Services Coordinator. What inspires me now is talking to people every day who have experienced gambling problems and knowing that I play a role in their path to a healthier future for themselves and their families.