West Virginia Schools to Implement Fentanyl Prevention Education Through “Laken’s Law” and GameChanger Film

“Laken’s Law” Mandates Fentanyl Prevention Education in West Virginia Schools

West Virginia is taking a proactive approach to combat the opioid crisis with the implementation of “Laken’s Law,” which mandates fentanyl prevention and awareness education in middle and high schools across the state. The law, named in memory of a young mother from Raleigh County who tragically lost her life to fentanyl, was signed by Governor Jim Justice following the recent legislative session.

The announcement was made by West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt, along with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, GameChanger Founder and Executive Director Joe Boczek, GameChanger Board Chair Larry Puccio, and award-winning actress Jennifer Garner at a press conference at The Greenbrier.

Blatt emphasized the importance of educating students about the dangers of fentanyl and providing them with resources to prevent substance misuse. The GameChanger film “One Pill Can Kill” will be used as part of the curriculum to meet the requirements of Laken’s Law.

GameChanger, a program founded in 2019 to address substance misuse in West Virginia, has been instrumental in educating students about the risks associated with opioids. The program, implemented in 52 schools across 18 counties, aims to empower youth to make healthy choices and become leaders in their communities.

According to Boczek, the program is expanding to other states, with pilot programs set to launch in Kentucky and Tennessee. He stressed the urgency of educating students about the dangers of substances like carfentanil, an elephant tranquilizer that can be lethal within seconds.

Puccio commended the students involved in GameChanger for their dedication to educating their peers about the risks of opioids. Senator Manchin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of starting prevention education in schools and praising the leadership of today’s youth.

Garner highlighted the critical role of youth intervention in preventing addiction and saving lives. With the prevalence of fentanyl-laced pills, she stressed the importance of reaching adolescents early to steer them away from substance misuse.

The implementation of Laken’s Law and the partnership with GameChanger signify West Virginia’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and protecting its youth. To learn more about GameChanger and their initiatives, visit https://gamechangerusa.org/.