West Virginia GameChanger receives $60k from Antero Foundation

Justice serves as GameChanger’s “head coach.”

“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 “yes” for the foundation because of its early intervention in West Virginia’s drug use problem.

“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.

Harrison County Schools Superintendent Dora Stutler, who serves on the GameChanger board, was among those at ceremony.

“We were one of the first pilot counties, and we have 10 schools that currently have GameChanger in. We are so happy with the effects it is having on our kids and communities,” Stutler said. “Our goal is to have it in every one of our schools because we are seeing great success with that.”

GameChanger is active in more than 50 schools in 18 counties.

Counties will receive an allotment of money based on the number of schools in them, said GameChanger Executive Director Joe Boczek.

In collaboration with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, GameChanger has developed and designed prevention education programs for grades K-12.

GameChanger is a student-powered substance misuse prevention program designed to educate, support and empower young West Virginians to live healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

GameChanger also has produced a film called “One Pill Can Kill” that has won national and international awards.

“That film, lesson plan and tool kit is provided to all sixth through 12th graders free of charge,” Boczek said. “We feel that we have to do other things in addition to the implementation of the prevention education program.”

GameChanger also is producing another documentary film called “You Have What It Takes.”

This film is for students in third through fifth grades, and it will have a parent toolkit and teacher lesson plan that accompanies it, Boczek said.

“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.

The goal is to have the film completed and ready by the fall, Boczek 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.