Former NBA player to bring message of hope, recovery and second chances to Williamsport
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WILLIAMSPORT -- Journey Bank will welcome nationally recognized speaker and former NBA player Chris Herren to the Journey Bank Community Arts Center in Williamsport on Thursday, Oct. 29, for a free community presentation focused on substance use prevention, recovery, mental health and the importance of making positive choices.
The event is free and open to the public and is designed for anyone interested in learning more about prevention, recovery and ways to support individuals and families facing these challenges. Parents and families, young people, educators and youth-serving professionals, first responders, health and human-service professionals, community leaders, people in recovery and those supporting a loved one through recovery are among those who may benefit from attending.
Herren, a former professional basketball player, has openly shared his own struggles with substance use and recovery and has dedicated much of his life to helping young people, families and communities address substance use and make healthier choices. Through his speaking, he has reached well over a million people across the country with his powerful message centered on prevention, wellness, recovery and the importance of personal connection.
Continuing a Conversation in the Community
Herren's October appearance builds on his previous visits to the region over the past year, where he has spoken with nearly 9,000 high school students about substance use, prevention, recovery and making healthy choices. In March 2026, Journey Bank supported a community presentation in Bloomsburg featuring Herren, continuing the bank's investment in bringing his message and opportunities for meaningful discussion to the area. His previous school and community presentations have provided opportunities for young people, educators, families and community members to hear directly from Herren and engage in conversations about substance use and recovery.
"Chris's message is one that stays with people," said Lance Diehl, President & CEO of Journey Bank. "We've seen firsthand the impact his presentations can have on students, families and community members, and we believe these conversations are important. Our investment in bringing Chris back to the area is about more than one presentation--it's about helping create opportunities for people to talk openly about substance use, prevention and recovery, and connecting people with the local resources that are here to help."
Community
Resource Event
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a Community Resource Event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Local resource organizations will have informational tables set up in the lobby at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.
The resource event will provide an opportunity for attendees to talk directly with local organizations, learn about programs and services available in the community and find resources for individuals and families affected by substance use, mental health and related challenges.
Event Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 29, at Journey Bank Community Arts Center, Williamsport, Pa.
-- 6:30-7:30 p.m. -- Community Resource Event: Local resource organizations will have information tables available for attendees.
-- 7:30-9 p.m. -- Presentation: Following opening remarks and a short introductory video, Chris Herren will deliver his presentation. There will also be a Q&A when Chris concludes the presentation.
The event is free and open to the public.