Chris Herren, a former NBA player, will talk about his history of addiction in an educational conference regarding abuse of prescription drugs.  On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the free public talk will be held at 6 p.m. inside the University of Wyoming Conference Center.

Herren played for the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets, but now travels the country telling his story of addiction.  He struggled with substance abuse for a significant portion of his professional career, and was the subject of an ESPN documentary called “Unguarded.”

These days, Herren promotes awareness and avoidance of substance abuse.  In his talk on Tuesday, he will delve into the origins of his addiction to prescription medications and other narcotics, and how he found his way to recovery.  A presentation about the evolving problem of college students abusing will also be offered.

“Effective Grassroots Involvement in the Policymaking Process,” an RxIMPACT Training Program, will be hosted by the UW School of Pharmacy from 4-5 p.m.  This advocacy training will be led by the director of government affairs and grassroots programs of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Heidi Ann Ecker.

This event is sponsored by the University of Wyoming’s School of Pharmacy, the Wyoming Department of Health, Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders, Recover Wyoming, the Otis L. Hoy Memorial Fund, and Townsquare Media/Wyopreps.com.

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