New Canaan CARES will welcome former NBA player and nationally recognized speaker Chris Herren for a powerful discussion on substance use awareness and prevention at New Canaan Library on March 27, 2025, at 7 p.m. Through his personal journey—from a rising basketball star to the depths of addiction and ultimately recovery—Herren has dedicated his life to changing the way communities talk about substance use.
The event, free and open to the public, aims to educate parents, students, and community members on the dangers of early substance use and the importance of judgment-free conversations. Rather than focusing solely on addiction’s end stages, Herren emphasizes the significance of preventing that first step into substance use. His message encourages open dialogue and proactive strategies to help young people make healthier choices.
New Canaan High School students in grades 9-12 will hear Herren’s story firsthand during a school-day presentation. In the evening, parents and students (grades 9 and up) from outside New Canaan Public Schools are invited to attend the library event.
Herren’s own story is one of triumph and tragedy. A standout high school player, he went on to play for Boston College and later for the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics in the NBA. But behind the success, addiction took hold, leading to a downward spiral that cost him his career and nearly his life. Now, more than 15 years into recovery, Herren travels the country sharing his experiences and offering a message of hope. His foundation, Herren Talks, works to shift the conversation from addiction’s last day to its first and to empower young people with the tools to avoid substance use.
Presented in partnership with New Canaan CARES, Silver Hill Hospital, NC Rams All Sports Booster Club, New Canaan Public Schools, New Canaan Library, and St. Luke’s School, this event highlights a community-wide effort to support youth and families in making informed, healthy decisions.
Those interested in attending can register at www.newcanaancares.org.
