You can help bring Christmas joy to West Virginia families recovering from opioid and substance misuse. Please contribute and make a tax-deductible donation. You can also help when you buy a McDonald’s cheeseburger or purchase a Pepsi product at Walmart. And don’t forget the change box at your local ParMar/Mountaineer Mart. Your small change can make a big difference in the lives of children – especially during the holidays.

Endorsed by Governor Jim Justice, WV Game Changers’ mission is clear – inspire our youth to help change the game in West Virginia. Fueled by what is believed to be the largest Public-Private Coalition in the nation, state departments, agencies, and organizations are teaming with the private business sector to meet not only the opioid and substance misuse issue in the state but vaping, tobacco and alcohol misuse, teen suicide and the state’s bursting-at-the-seams foster parenting program. In addition, programs geared toward proper nutrition leading to a healthier lifestyle. Whatever your interests may be, and whatever that inspires you to become – be a game-changer. Now is the time to stand up and lead the next generation of change in West Virginia.

West Virginia Teens are Changing the Game!

It’s all about choices.

Because choices can Change the Game.

Compared to:

Opioid dependence can happen in just FIVE DAYS.

It can happen to anybody.

While many people take Prescription Opioids as directed under a doctor’s care, there are risks that we should know.

Taking Opioids puts you at risk for dependence and addiction
Opioids affect the brain’s “reward circuit” and flood the brain with the chemical messenger dopamine.
Dopamine surges encourage you to repeat the unhealthy behavior of taking drugs – which can lead to dependence and addiction.
Addiction is a disease – a primary, chronic disease of the brain’s reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry – it’s called “Substance Use Disorder” (SUD) or “Opioid Use Disorder” (OUD), and it can be treated.

Become a GameChanger!

Stand up and stand out.

Fact: Most youth and young adults are NOT involved in substance misuse and other unhealthy behaviors.

In Fact: The majority of WV youth are making a positive difference.

GameChangers is here to amplify these positive choices, voices and actions – to Change the Game, improve the future and make a difference for WV.

What is GameChangers?

GameChangers is the youth-led prevention, peer-to-peer influence, positive youth development and community enhancement organization designed to educate,
support and empower teens to make healthy choices and become leaders.

While we’re focused on the Opioid Epidemic, GameChangers have a positive impact on much, much more.

Become a GameChanger

In Your Local Community
If you’re a GameChanger – or want to become one – check back here to find local groups, sign up to win GameChangers swag, gift cards, scholarship opportunities and more!

At the Statewide Level – Apply for “TAC”
TAC stands for “Teen Advisory Council,” which is a representative group of youth from across the state working together to help define, shape and guide the entire GameChanger organization.

It’s an awesome responsibility and a great opportunity!