GameChanger

How can you tell if someone you know is addicted to a substance? Look for signs of substance misuse, such as, behavior changes, mood swings, isolation from family and friends and even neglect in personal hygiene. These are a few indicators that someone you know may have an addiction. For more information on what substance misuse looks like, visit GameChangerUSA.org. Be the Change.

A record crowd of over 600 people attended the Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Reception and Dinner on Wednesday, May 22 at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. West Virginia native and award-winning actress, philanthropist, and Save the Children board member, Jennifer Garner delivered the keynote address. Check out her speech here: https://gamechangerusa.org/jennifer-garner-keynote-speech-from-the-2024-gamechanger-golf-classic/

Hear from Logan, a junior at Clay-Battelle Middle/High School, who is part of the GameChanger Student Non-Use Peer Leadership Team. He and his friends choose to live substance-free, showing others that it's normal, healthy, and rewarding to grow up without alcohol, ni****ne, or other drugs. Read more. https://gamechangerusa.org/staying-healthy-by-staying-active/

In late April, actor and WV native Jennifer Garner joined officials to kick off the Fourth Annual GameChanger Golf Classic. We had an incredible turnout at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, with a record crowd!
Read the full article here: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/actress-jennifer-garner-joins-officials-to-kick-off-fourth-annual-gamechanger-golf-classic/article_f67fb47a-1865-11ef-aa78-0736d2142bfd.html

Myths about mental health and addiction are everywhere. Often, they prevent young people from getting the help when they need it most.

Let’s learn about how poor mental health and addiction go hand in hand, and three common myths surrounding them: https://gamechangerusa.org/3-common-mental-health-myths-surrounding-addiction/

"Everyone in this room understands the havoc the drug epidemic has wreaked on every community in West Virginia. We cannot allow this to continue. We have a responsibility, especially to our children, to put an end to it," said Senator Joe Manchin at the 2024 Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner and Golf Classic in May.

See why this event is so important by learning more about GameChanger at https://gamechangerusa.org/

July is Social Wellness Month, a time to focus on our kids' mental health and prevent substance misuse. Social wellness is all about building healthy relationships and a strong support network. Learn more in a new blog: https://gamechangerusa.org/promoting-social-wellness-month-a-focus-on-our-kids-mental-health-and-substance-misuse/

Coping with social health issues as a teen can be tough. Everyone's middle and high school experience is different, but many teens feel insecure, struggle to fit in, or get stressed balancing schoolwork, sports, and jobs. You can change the game by talking to your teen. Not sure where to start? Visit GameChangerUSA.org for support.

Talk with your child about the negative effects substance abuse has on their brains and bodies and their ability to learn. Also, ask your pediatrician to talk with them about the other dangers of substance abuse. Create a safe space for our youth, where they can share their stories honestly and openly. For more Information and resources, visit GameChangerUSA.org.

More than 50,000 West Virginia students have attended in-school screenings of the GameChanger, "One Pill Can Kill," video. The video is a key component of our organization's prevention education program. See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VitZ2dcZneA

As we get ready for family gatherings and fireworks, let’s ensure our celebrations are safe and substance-free, especially for our teens. Here are some tips in a new blog to help parents and teens enjoy a healthy and happy Independence Day!
https://gamechangerusa.org/celebrate-a-safe-and-substance-free-4th-of-july/

Parents, is your teen feeling overwhelmed by stress? It's crucial to help them understand how stress can impact their life and lead to unhealthy choices like substance misuse. Not sure where to start? Visit GameChangerUSA.org for guidance and support. Let's work together to keep our teens healthy and substance-free!

At last month's Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Reception and Dinner, Senator Joe Manchin emphasized the widespread impact of substance misuse: "There's not a family that doesn't know someone—whether immediate family, extended family, or a close friend—who's been affected. None of us are immune to it, and it's absolutely horrible." Learn more about the work we do at GameChanger:https://gamechangerusa.org/

Navigating social health challenges as a teen can be tough, but as a parent, you can make a big difference. Start the conversation with your teen today and let them know they have your support. Need help getting started? Check out GameChanger.org for resources and tips on how to guide your teen through these important discussions. Together, we can help our teens build a brighter future! To read, NAVIGATING SOCIAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AS A TEEN: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS, go to https://gamechangerusa.org/navigating-social-health-challenges-as-a-teen-a-guide-for-parents/

Last month, actress and WV native Jennifer Garner joined officials to kick off the Fourth Annual GameChanger Reception, Dinner and Golf Classic. We had an incredible turnout at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, with a record crowd of over 600 attendees!
Read the full article here: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/actress-jennifer-garner-joins-officials-to-kick-off-fourth-annual-gamechanger-golf-classic/article_f67fb47a-1865-11ef-aa78-0736d2142bfd.html

It's officially summer! Time to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and loved ones. However, it's also a season when substance misuse tends to rise, particularly among young adults. Let's stay vigilant and support each other in making healthy choices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone. Unsure where to start? Visit https://gamechangerusa.org/ for helpful tips.

"If you can get to a kid right at the beginning, that's your best shot to have them excited to learn by Kindergarten," said Jennifer Garner during her keynote address at the 2024 Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner and Golf Classic. She continued, "If you can get to an adolescent and convince them in a supportive, communal way to stay away from drugs—stay away from opioids, don't try that one pill, don't smoke, don't do any of it—then you've just bought them their lives."

See why this fundraiser is so important by learning more about GameChanger at https://gamechangerusa.org/

Addiction can happen at any age—recovery can too. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance misuse, it's never too late to seek help. Learn more about addiction by age group and risk factors. Read more here: https://gamechangerusa.org/addiction-by-age-group-a-breakdown/

June is Men's Health Month, and yesterday marked Father's Day, a time to honor the important role fathers play in their children's lives. They serve as role models, guides, and sources of strength. It's crucial to remember that if you're struggling with substance misuse, your actions don't just affect you—they impact those who look up to you, including your children. This Father's Day and every day, let's express gratitude for our father figures and the strong influences they provide. To read HONORING FATHERS DURING MEN’S HEALTH MONTH: THE IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE, go to https://gamechangerusa.org/honoring-fathers-during-mens-health-month-the-impact-of-substance-misuse/

Last month, we had an incredible turnout at the Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Reception and Dinner on Wednesday, May 22, at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, with a record crowd of over 600 attendees!

During the event, we showcased videos highlighting GameChanger’s progress during the 2024-2025 school year and a special project by students at Wheeling Park High School. If you missed our video, check it out!

More than 50,000 West Virginia students have attended in-school screenings of the GameChanger, "One Pill Can Kill," video. The video is a key component of our ogranization's prevention education program. See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VitZ2dcZneA

It's been a BIG year for GameChanger as we've dramatically increased participation in our prevention education programs in collaboration with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. We've grown from 12 pilot schools in 2023 to 52 elementary, middle and high schools reaching over 30,000 students in 17 WV counties in 2024. Learn more about the work we do at Gamechanger:https://gamechangerusa.org/

A record 42 golf foursomes competed at the Old White and Meadows Golf Courses for the Fourth Annual GameChanger Golf Classic. All proceeds from the event support the GameChanger Prevention Education Program in West Virginia schools. Read more here: https://sports.yahoo.com/greenbrier-resort-ends-exciting-week-235222755.html
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our mission! It's not too late to donate. Our goal is to inspire our youth to lead by example through healthy lifestyles, improve the future, and make a difference in West Virginia. Donate here: https://gamechangerusa.org/donate/

At the Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Reception and Dinner on Wednesday, May 22, at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, we showcased videos highlighting GameChanger's progress during the 2024-2025 school year. Check out our latest video featuring outstanding high school students from across the state here: https://gamechangerusa.org/

Missed this article on our fundraiser? Check it out! Actress and WV native Jennifer Garner joined officials to kick off the Fourth Annual GameChanger Golf Classic. “I’m so excited to be here,” Garner said. “There is nothing like intervening before a problem happens — that’s the essence of GameChanger.” Read the full article here:
https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/actress-jennifer-garner-joins-officials-to-kick-off-fourth-annual-gamechanger-golf-classic/article_f67fb47a-1865-11ef-aa78-0736d2142bfd.html

We had an incredible turnout at the Fourth Annual GameChanger Prevention Education Reception and Dinner on Wednesday, May 22, at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV, with a record crowd of over 600 attendees!

West Virginia native, award-winning actress, philanthropist, and Save The Children Board Member Jennifer Garner delivered an inspiring keynote address. She was joined by notable speakers including Governor and GameChanger Head Coach Jim Justice, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, GameChanger Executive Director Joe Boczek, Chairman of the Board Larry Puccio, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt, and Clay Battelle Middle/High School GameChanger Coach Nikki Mattingly. We also showcased videos highlighting GameChanger’s progress during the 2024-2025 school year and a special project by students at Wheeling Park High School.

The excitement continued the next day with a record 42 golf foursomes competing at the Old White and Meadows Golf Courses for the Fourth Annual GameChanger Golf Classic. All proceeds from the event support the GameChanger Prevention Education Program in West Virginia schools.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our mission! Check out the photos from the event here: https://gamechangerusa.org/a-record-crowd-for-gamechanger-golf-classic-2024/

Check out our latest video highlighted during our fourth annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner and Golf Classic. The video showcases the phenomenal growth GameChanger has experienced in the last 12 months and features interviews with GameChanger student peer leaders. Discover the profound impact GameChanger has had on student life and school culture and the pivotal role our program plays in raising awareness about drug misuse. Watch now: https://gamechangerusa.org/

Did you hear? Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce recently generously presented a $90,000 check to GameChanger for use in Wood County Schools. Governor Jim Justice and Parkersburg High School Principal Kenny DeMoss also emphasized the importance of the program in our community.

You can be a part of this movement too! Consider donating to support the cause and get involved in making a positive impact: https://gamechangerusa.org/donate/ Let's work together to create a safer and healthier future for our youth.

Our fourth annual GameChanger Prevention Education Dinner and Golf Classic is in full swing at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, featuring Keynote Speaker Jennifer Garner. A warm welcome to our esteemed guests and sponsors, joining us for two days of enriching education and enjoyable festivities!

Navigating mental health challenges as a teenager can be quite challenging. Every teen's journey through middle and high school is unique. Some may grapple with insecurities and the quest for acceptance, while others face the pressure of juggling academics, sports, or part-time jobs. Parents, you play a pivotal role in this journey. Engage in open conversations with your teen and provide them with the support they need for their well-being. Unsure of how to start? Explore resources at GameChangerUSA.org.