Changing the game for our youth

The latest support came from Antero Resources, which provided $60,000 to help expand the program further in Harrison, Doddridge, Ritchie, Tyler and Wetzel counties.

Gov. Jim Justice, the honorary “head coach” of the school-based program, was at Antero Headquarters on Wednesday to receive the check, praising both the company, as well as the program.

“Antero’s commitment to GameChanger is a shining example of the generosity uplifting our state’s youth,” Justice said. “Their contribution is deeply appreciated and a beacon of hope for our education system. With their support, I am confident that GameChanger will continue to make a profound and positive impact across West Virginia.”

MariBeth Anderson, director of government relations for Antero Resources, said GameChanger was a clear choice for the company to support.

“When the company and foundation sees something that research shows has worked and is working and will work, we’re happy to be the kind of company that is able to make a significant impact and contribution,” Anderson said.

Besides school-based programming, GameChanger has produced a film called “One Pill Can Kill” that has won national and international awards. The organization is currently working on another video geared towards a younger, third- through fifth-grade audience.

GameChanger Executive Director Joe Boczek and the group’s board has done well in advancing the programming, working in collaboration with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to develop and design the prevention programs.

In expanding the program to more schools, as well as creating the video aimed at a younger audience, Boczek and board members hope to reach even more youth in an effort to prevent further addiction issues among the state’s youth.

The new documentary, called “You Have What It Takes,” has had input from various groups in making the message appropriate for the younger age level.

“We have consulted with people at Nickelodeon Kids and PBS Kids, along with experts at the West Virginia Department of Education, who have given us their expertise to ensure it is done correctly for that age group,” he said.

“You’re teaching them (that) prevention is key. If a child never picks up any type of drug, there is no addiction; if there is no addiction, there is no market for fentanyl; and if there is no market for fentanyl, fentanyl goes away in the United States,” Boczek said.

With promising early results and strong support, GameChanger continues to reach more youth with what can be a life-changing — and life-saving — message. We applaud the organization, the people who lead it and the public and private groups and businesses that are providing the funding to move it forward.