Game Changers to implement opioid and substance misuse prevention in three Harrison County Schools

CLARKSBURG, W.Va (WDTV) - Governor Jim Justice visited Clarksburg Tuesday at the Harrison County Board of Education to announce a program aimed at substance misuse prevention in schools.

Lincoln High, Lincoln Middle and Big Elm Elementary are the first three state schools to implement the initiative.

“First in the United States,” said Governor Justice. “Doesn’t it have a ring to it in West Virginia when we can say first in the United States?”

The governor joined officials announcing the launch of a new student-powered opioid and substance misuse prevention program.

“Wv is becoming the nations leader in the battle against opioid and substance misuse,” said Executive Director of WV Game Changers Joe Boczek.

The initiative focuses on building school environments that curb student drug use by implementing, monitoring, and sustaining student peer leadership programs.

“Make no mistake the governor is tackling perhaps the biggest challenge in his long and illustrious career as a leader,” said Boczek.

The program results from a service agreement between West Virginia Game Changers and the world-renowned Hazelden Betty ford foundation.

Dora Stutler, Harrison County superintendent, says she’s excited for the program.

“I’m fortunate to be a part of the board and to be a part of the county that’s ready to roll it out and we will be successful,” said Stutler.

The program will begin in the Fall 2022. Officials plan to offer the program to all state elementary, middle, and high school by the fall of 2027.

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