Through the “Change Their Holiday” initiative, dozens of West Virginia families affected by opioid and substance misuse were able to enjoy a special holiday season. Thank you to all who donated. To learn more about the initiative and how it positively impacted families throughout the state, read Governor Justice’s letter addressing the “Change Their Holiday” initiative.
Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Game Changer?
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!
GameChangers in Organized Sports
GameChangers in Scholastic Achievement
GameChangers for Individual Health & Wellbeing
GameChangers for Family, Faith & Community
GameChangers for Self
It’s all about choices.
Because choices can Change the Game.
have been for years.
Youth have been Changing the Game with healthy decisions. As new challenges emerge – like the Opioid Epidemic – they need real facts and support to continue making good choices.
GameChangers is here to empower WV youth – with straight-up facts and information, solid support and major amplification of their voice as they work to Change the Game in their local communities, statewide and beyond.
Today:
- 91% Wear Seatbelts 91%
- Only 6% are Frequent Smokers 6%
- Only 28% Drink Alcohol 28%
- Only 26% Drink at Least One Soda a Day 26%
- Only 18% Used Marijuana in Past 30 Days 18%
Compared to:
- 66% 25 years ago 66%
- 20% 25 years ago 20%
- 53% 25 years ago 53%
- 46% 18 years ago 46%
- 29% 18 years ago 29%
As the GameChanger movement gains momentum, we want to collect more real stories to showcase GameChangers throughout the state on traditional and social media.
Coming Soon!
Check back for updates on how you can share your story.
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.
More than 115 Americans die every day from Opioid overdose.
West Virginia has the highest drug overdose death rate in the nation.
Prescription drug misuse is highest among those ages 18 to 25.
80% of heroin users started with prescription pain killers (aka Opioids)
Types of Prescription Opioids:
Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®, Percodan®)Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®)Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)Morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®)CodeineFentanyl (Duragesic®)Propoxyphene (Darvon®)Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)Meperidine (Demerol®)Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
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!
Getting Help – can really Change the Game.
Here’s where to find it.
If you or someone you know may need help with drug dependence or addiction, these trusted resources can help.
GameChangers is here to draw attention to the fantastic groups and organizations working with youth and young adults in local communities. Listed below are
several of these outstanding resources.
Recovery Resources:
