Meridian Health Services 2021 Speaker Series
featuring former NBA player Chris Herren
Chris Herren—The Struggle with Addiction and Mental Illness
Former NBA Player Chris Herren shared his poignant and brutally honest personal story to a full-capacity audience at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie on Thursday, November 11 as part of Meridian’s Community Health Speaker Series.
Chris was a celebrated star before graduating high school. He went on to play at Boston College, Fresno State, and in the NBA – including playing on his hometown team, the Boston Celtics – and seven seasons overseas before losing it all to the disease of addiction. His recovery journey has been documented in the bestselling memoir, “Basketball Junkie,” the Emmy-nominated ESPN Films documentary, “Unguarded” and in countless local, national and international stories by The New York Times, The Boston Globe and Sports Illustrated.
Following Herren’s presentation, a panel comprised of community leaders and officials discussed issues related to substance use, recovery, and ideas for local solutions.
A complimentary lunch was provided by Meridian Health Services.
COVID protocols, precautions, and social distancing were implemented as determined by state and local mandates.
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance use or addiction, Meridian can help turn things around and provide a fresh start. Call 866-306-2647 to begin the journey to a new way of living.
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors:
Thank You to our Moderator and Panelists for participating in this event:
Moderator
| Juli Metzger | Associate Lecturer of Journalism, Ball State University |
Panelists
| Jay Chaudhary, J.D. | Director, Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction, FSSA |
| Dr. Brent Damer | Orthopedic Surgeon, Central Indiana Orthopedics |
| Doug Huntsinger | State Executive Director, Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Enforcement |
| Dr. Dane Minnick | Co-Founder & Director, Addictions Coalition for Delaware County; Ball State University |
| Jeff Stanley | Chief Deputy, Delaware County Sheriff's Office |
| Maria Wilson | Associate Pastor, Urban Light Community Church |
| Zach Craig | Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, 46th Judicial Circuit |
| Lisa Suttle, RN-BC, MS | Regional VP of Clinical Services, Meridian Health Services |
