Prevention Starts With All: The Chris Herren Story

Tualatin Together and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are proud to bring back former NBA player Chris Herren to tell his powerful story of navigating the disease of addiction, the road to recovery and his mission to make a difference.

In this very personal presentation, Chris will share his recovery journey in a brutally honest format with just a microphone. The event will start with a 5-minute film introducing Herren and showing highlights of his basketball career and his dream to play in the NBA which began to unravel by making a few bad decisions. From growing up in Fall River, MA to playing Division 1 basketball and in the NBA, he will take the audience on his journey from addiction to sobriety. Additionally, he will relate his story to the audience addressing themes of gateway drugs, prescription drug use, vaping and the responsibility of prevention starting with us all. To conclude the event Chris will field questions from the audience.

This is a FREE event with general seating. Reserved lower level seats may be purchased in the "Reserved" area closest to where Chris will be speaking for $20 per seat. This event is appropriate for children middle school age and above and all adults. Email tualatintogether@gmail.com for questions or interpretation needs. Register today.

Food/Drink will be available for purchase and to be consumed in the atrium area.

Continuum of Care - Resource Fair: 5:30PM - 6:30PM

Doors To Seating Open: 6:00PM

Prevention Begins With All: The Chris Herren Story: 6:30PM -7:35PM

POST EVENT will be an additional 15 minute Question and Answer Session with Dr. Jim Polo, Executive Medical Director for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon; Pam Pearce with Harmony Academy Recovery High School, Family Inspired Recovery and Community Living Above Director.

Why Come Hear Chris Herren? Read his bio to learn more.

An extraordinary basketball player, Chris Herren was a celebrated star in his native Fall River, MA before graduating high school. He went on to play at Boston College and Fresno State, two seasons in the NBA – including one with his hometown team, the Boston Celtics – and seven seasons overseas before losing it all to the disease of addiction.

With the unwavering support of his family and friends, Chris has been sober since August 1, 2008, and he now shares his story with the goal of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

His recovery journey has been documented in the bestselling memoir, “Basketball Junkie,” the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary, “Unguarded” and in countless local, national and international stories by The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Sports Illustrated, among others. Through Herren Talks, Chris has spoken to over 1 million students and community members, sparking honest discussions about substance use disorder and wellness.

In 2011, Chris grew his vision of support for others when he founded the nonprofit Herren Project. Through the organization, Chris and his team empower schools and communities to make healthy choices, while also guiding families through recovery. In 2018, Chris also founded Herren Wellness, a residential health and wellness program that helps guests lead healthy, substance-free lives.