By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Hudson – Parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to attend “An Evening with Chris Herren,” Monday, April 7, at the Hudson High School (HHS) where the former NBA basketball star will discuss his journey back from a serious drug and alcohol addiction. The event, which is free, will start at 6 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention (Hudson YSAP) Coalition.
The former college basketball star achieved his dream of playing professionally – including for the Boston Celtics and in leagues overseas – but his success was soon lost as he battled a dark descent into addiction. After intensive rehabilitation programs, he has been alcohol- and drug-free since 2008. He now shares his story with groups such as the Hudson YSAP Coalition in the hopes of reaching individuals and families to help them make positive choices.
In 2012, the Hudson Board of Health received a three-year grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation to support community efforts addressing youth substance abuse prevention, intervention, and increased access to treatment through the formation of a community prevention coalition. According to Sam Wong, Ph.D., REHS/RS, director of public and community health services at the Hudson Board of Health, the goal of Hudson YSAP Coalition is to foster community collaboration to produce a healthier community that supports adolescents” healthy decision-making.
Sophomore, junior and senior students at HHS will attend an assembly featuring Herren earlier in the day.
All who are planning to attend the evening session are asked to RSVP online at http://bit.ly/2014Herren.
Immediately preceding the evening event, the Hudson YSAP Coalition will host a social hour starting at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided and an art exhibit featuring posters created by 35 students from the HHS visual arts class will be on display.
Another event, “Community Conversation: A Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking,” will be held in May.
For more information, contact 978-562-2020 or [email protected], or visit www.preventhudsonsa.org.