MOUNT CARMEL - State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) says efforts are continuing in Harrisburg to produce legislation that can help in the fight against drugs, and particularly the abuse of prescription drugs.
There's no doubt, however, that whatever comes out of that effort will likely pale in comparison to the impact Chris Herren can have in the same fight.
Herren, a former NBA player, conducts motivational speeches across the country, and he'll visit Mount Carmel Area High School, 600 W. Fifth St. Tuesday to discuss overcoming addiction. Masser couldn't stress enough that people need to hear what Herren has to say.
"It's a powerful story," he said.
Herren's rise and fall and redemption, in fact, has been told through ESPN's "30 for 30" documentary series.
"I'm not going to come in here and tell you how to reach your goals," he says in the film, "Unguarded." "I come in here and I tell you my nightmare. I tell you the story that I lived."
The Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program is working with the school to host the Drug and Alcohol Community and Parent Awareness Program. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Also, Herren will speak to students at an assembly at 12:30 p.m. that day.
The program will include an introduction DVD, the keynote address by Herron and a question-and-answer session.
School and community organizations such as the Northumberland County Drug Task force, school-based behavioral specialists, Student Assistance Team (SAP) and the Pennsylvania State Education Association will be on hand to answer questions and to provide information about available services.
Rise and fall
A native of a basketball-crazed town in Massachusetts, Herren was a McDonald's All American and prized college recruit.
A wrist injury coupled with a series of failed drug tests ended his Boston College career after his freshman year. He transferred to Fresno State and starred under the late legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, but continued to struggle with addiction, including a stint in rehab.
He was a second-round draft pick of the Denver Nuggets and was traded in his second season to the Boston Celtics - his final season in the National Basketball Association. He played professionally overseas as his addiction worsened.
Alcohol, cocaine and marijuana were his initial drugs of choice. As his addiction evolved, he began abusing prescription painkillers and, eventually, heroin and crystal meth.
Excellent speaker for students
Herren is an excellent fit for an area like Mount Carmel, whose students have athletic and academic potential, but are often exposed to drugs, alcohol and other dangers, said junior high principal Pete Cheddar.
"We are excited about the message he has," he was quoted in a press release. "The adversity Herren has faced in his own life makes him an excellent guest speaker for our students."
Masser agreed that the message told through sports is something that could have a great impact for a community like Mount Carmel.
Meanwhile, efforts do continue in Harrisburg, Masser said, where he's one of eight legislators on the Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing Practice and Pain Management Task Force, which is working with the Pennsylvania Medical Society to address escalating opioid abuse.
"The issue of drug and alcohol abuse in our area continues to be a major problem for people of all ages," he said. "I believe that education and awareness are two of the tools we need in our community to help teach our kids to live drug free, healthy lives. Parents, teachers, kids, family members, friends and members of the community all need to be on the same page if we want to turn this epidemic around in a positive way - and that's what this program aims to do."
Masser especially thanked Glenda Bonetti, director of the Northumberland County Drug and Alcohol Program, Cheddar and the Mount Carmel Area staff for their help in organizing the awareness event.
For information call 570-648-8017 or visit RepMasser.com or www.Facebook.com/RepMasser.