The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office is proud to host a presentation on September 25 at 7 p.m. at Barnstable High School’s Performing Arts Center by former NBA player and recovery advocate, Chris Herren. The event is supported by State Rep. Kip Diggs.
The free presentation promises to be both inspiring and memorable. Families with children in middle school and up are encouraged to attend. Herren grew up in Fall River, where he was a basketball phenom. In 1999, he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and then traded to play for his hometown team, the Celtics.
Herren struggled with substance use throughout much of his basketball career starting with alcohol and cocaine followed by opioid addiction. An eventual overdose from heroin while driving in Fall River in June of 2008, turned his life around.
With the unwavering support of his family and friends, Herren has been sober since August 1, 2008, and he shares his story to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Over the past 14 years, Herren has spoken to over 2 million students and community members nationwide, sparking honest discussions about substance use disorder and wellness.
“Chris Herren reached the highest heights and then nearly lost everything, including his life, to addiction,” said Sheriff Donna Buckley. “In recovery, he uses that story to offer hope and to eliminate the fatal stigma that still surrounds substance use disorders. His story is powerful and inspiring. I hope you take the time to hear it and bring your children.”
Besides his presentations, Herren founded the Herren Project, which provides treatment navigation, in-kind scholarships/grants for recovery programs, and virtual support groups. The Herren Project clubs are a free prevention program for schools. In 2018, he founded Herren Wellness, a residential recovery organization for men and women based in Seekonk.
The event is free but please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prevention-starts-with-all-the-chris-herren-story-tickets-1002531898897?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
