ELIZABETH — A former NBA basketball player who struggled with substance abuse will speak at a free program presented by Coplin Health Systems at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Wirt County High School.

Chris Herren played for the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, then for teams in Europe after he was released by the Celtics.

Herren was addicted to drugs and alcohol during his career, but celebrated a year of sobriety in June 2009.

He founded The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing treatment navigation and mentoring programs for those touched by addiction. In 2012, the organization launched a nationwide anti-substance abuse campaign, Project Purple, to encourage people of all ages to stand up to substance abuse.

The Oct. 17 presentation is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP at coplinhealth.com/sober.

Through the Substance Use Disorder grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the goal of the event is to shed light on recovery and discuss the struggles within the pathway for sobriety. The event will also touch on how reducing the stigma associated with addiction can better serve communities, those battling addiction and those on the road to recovery.

“Because of Chris’ past experience and current endeavors, I really think attendees will leave the event with more knowledge of addiction and the battles that come along with recovery,” said Sarah Casseday, director of behavioral health who secured the grant for Herren’s speaking engagement.

A school-only program will be held during the day prior to the evening’s presentation.

“At Coplin, we’ve seen and continue to see the impact that the drug epidemic has brought to families all across the nation, but more closely, the devastation that addiction has brought to the communities and families within West Virginia,” said Rob Dudley, Coplin CEO. “By offering this event, we hope Mr. Herren’s story will open the eyes of those in attendance, and hopefully they leave with a little more compassion and understanding for those struggling with addiction and the families affected by the disease.”