5th annual Wellness Week with Herren: Lighting the path to prevention, recovery at RI State House

Photo: Pamela Bhatia, Artistic Images, from past State House lighting

Herren Organizations Illuminate a Beacon of Hope with Special Guests Governor McKee and Mayor Smiley in Attendance:

The Herren Organizations, alongside honored guests Governor Dan McKee of the State of Rhode Island and Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, are set to cast a radiant glow over the State House Dome in purple, symbolizing a commitment to the prevention of substance misuse and a celebration of recovery and overall wellness. This initiative marks a powerful stride in the organization’s mission to support, inspire, and empower those affected by substance-use disorder.

As part of its steadfast dedication to fostering healthy communities, the Herren Organizations are embarking on its fifth annual Wellness Week with Herren, a transformative initiative that seeks to inspire individuals and communities across Rhode Island and beyond. From March 3 to March 9, 2024, the Rhode Island State House Dome will be illuminated in a vibrant display of purple, emphasizing the significance of health and wellbeing in the battle against substance-use disorders.

“We believe that when people have the tools to practice healthy ways of living and coping with life’s challenges, we can play a vital role in both the prevention and recovery of substance-use disorders,” said Chris Herren, Motivational Speaker, Recovery Advocate, Founder of Herren Project, Herren Talks, and Herren Wellness. “The lighting of the State House Dome in purple is a powerful symbol of our commitment to spreading awareness and empowering those affected by the disease of addiction.”

Governor McKee and Providence Mayor Smiley to join lighting event

The presence of Governor McKee and Mayor Smiley adds significance to the event, showcasing the collaborative effort between government and community organizations in addressing substance misuse issues and promoting wellness initiatives.

The Herren Organizations invite individuals, families, and communities throughout Rhode Island and across the nation to join in this collective effort. By uniting in the practice of prevention and acknowledging the profound journey of recovery, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the confines of a single week.

The State House dome’s radiant purple glow serves as a beacon of hope, fostering unity and resilience in the face of substance misuse. It is a visual testament to the strength found in shared commitment and a shared vision for a healthier, more compassionate society.

Join the Herren Organizations in making a lasting impact. Let us stand together, illuminating the path to prevention, recovery, and overall wellness for everyone.

For more information, please visit: https://herrenproject.org/wellness-week-with-herren/

About Chris Herren: Chris Herren, a former professional basketball player, has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. An author, motivational speaker, and wellness advocate, Chris has founded three organizations that provide programs and services with the goal of overcoming setbacks and navigating life’s challenges. Chris Herren has been in long-term recovery since August 1, 2008.

About Herren Project: Herren Project is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2011 providing free resources and support for the recovery and prevention of substance use disorder. Recovery and prevention services include treatment placement assistance, long-term recovery support for individuals and families, online support groups, and provide schools and community resources to prevent the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

About Herren Talks: Since 2009, Chris has spoken to over one million students, athletes and community members, sparking honest discussions on the topics of substance use disorder and wellness. As a person in long term recovery, Chris continues to share his story nationally with a renewed focus on prevention education and challenging audiences to rethink how we look at the disease of addiction; changing the focus from the last day to the first. In 2019, he released The First Day, a film addressing issues that school systems, communities and people across the country are impacted by, directly or indirectly, including substance use and mental wellness.

About Herren Wellness: Herren Wellness is a residential substance use, health and wellness organization for men and women based in Massachusetts. Through the process of self-discovery, we guide guests to uncover why they turn to unhealthy behaviors or substances and provide them the tools they need to live a healthy, whole, authentic and substance-free life. Our unique approach to recovery combines holistic strategies with medical and clinical support for the continuity of care for substance use disorder and mental wellness at any stage.

For more information: https://chrisherren.com