On Tuesday, November 28, the PATH Foundation and Mental Health Association of Fauquier County are hosting a free community forum featuring former NBA player Chris Herren discussing his recovery after years of addiction.  Organized for parents, grandparents and guardians, the event will also offer local experts and resources to offer guidance to keep your family safe.  The forum will be held in the Fauquier High School Auditorium, and open at 6:30 p.m.

Chris Herren, a basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, dreamed of one day playing for his hometown team, the Boston Celtics. An All-American, Chris broke scoring records, was recruited by top colleges, featured in Sports Illustrated and became the focus of an acclaimed book, Fall River Dreams. Herren realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and was traded to the Boston Celtics after his rookie season, but lost it all to due to substance abuse.

Alcohol and drug-free since August 1, 2008, he has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else. He shares his harrowing story of abuse and recovery in his memoir, Basketball Junkie, as well as in numerous interviews throughout the Emmy nominated ESPN Films documentary Unguarded, of which he is the subject.

In September, Herren spoke to high school students at Fauquier, Kettle Run and Liberty high schools. This community-wide event gives families the chance to hear his perspective on issues facing kids today, and it will offer suggestions on how to help teens avoid these often devastating issues.

Christy Connolly, PATH Foundation president and CEO, said, “We were really blown away by the impact Chris had in his talks with the area high schools.  His message is so important for them to hear, especially as we all too often learn of another family affected by addiction.  We wanted parents to have the same opportunity to hear Chris’s message.”

In addition to the forum, the PATH Foundation is hosting Chris to speak to students at Rappahannock County High School, as well as Culpeper high schools Eastern View and Culpeper County.  He will return in January for assemblies at Highland School and Wakefield School.

Sallie Morgan, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County, cited results of the PRIDE survey that measured middle and high school students’ alcohol and drug use, as well as depression and anxiety, as evidence of the need for this type of event, “We’re seeing more and more instances where teens are unprepared to handle the variety of pressures facing them today.  It’s so important for parents to really understand how to talk to their children and help them avoid the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.”

Herren has shared his message to countless audiences across the nation, and he says it’s all about sharing his story in the hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in their life.

Tuesday, November 28

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Fauquier High School Auditorium

Area experts and resources will be available from 6:30 – 7 and immediately following the presentation to share important information for you and your family.