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Mayor Walsh Hosts Former NBA Player, Chris Herren, at Community Forum on Addiction

Chris Herren, former NBA player and High School All-American, spoke at a community forum on Saturday, March 29th in the North End hosted by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. The Nazzaro Center gymnasium was filled with many youths and residents of all ages to listen to Herren’s story of drug addiction and recovery. The event was also sponsored by North End Against Drugs.

Chris Herren played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA before losing it all to addiction and has now embarked on a mission of helping youths on and off the court by sharing the battles of his addiction.

After an introduction by Mayor Walsh, the large group was mesmerized by Herren and his story. He answered questions about the many aspects of recovery and also spent some time signing his book, Basketball Junkie: A Memoir while posing for photos. Herren actively speaks to educate youths on how to handle pressure within a teen’s life. The Herren Project also raises money to provide recovery resources to those in need. His most recent effort is to lead a group running this year’s Boston Marathon. In addition to Herren, runners include the North End’s own Stephen Passacantilli. (Sponsor the team here.)

 Photos by Matt Conti. High resolution gallery and prints.

3 Replies to “Mayor Walsh Hosts Former NBA Player, Chris Herren, at Community Forum on Addiction

  1. The talk Chris Herren gave yesterday was powerful, thought-provoking and really hit home. He certainly had the attention of his audience (especially the kids) with his captivating story of success, loss and redemption.

    Many thanks to Chris, Marty Walsh, Stephen Passacantilli, Sal LaMattina, Aaron Michlewitz and John Romano!

    -David Marx-
    NEWNC Public Safety Committee Chair

    1. Sorry I wasn’t able to make it as I had previous engagement what I was wondering why there are no Alanon,Alateen,Parent meetings NA meetings or Coda meetings in North End like there are in other communities?

  2. There are Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the vestry of Sacred Heart Church in North Square, and the NEW Health Clinic on Hanover sponsors a group for family members and friends of substance abusers. Contact these organizations directly for more information.

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