The Project

Project Purple is an initiative of The Herren Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation established by former NBA basketball player, Chris Herren, that assists individuals and families struggling with addiction. Project Purple was launched to break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse and shed light on effective treatment practices.

Background

The Project Purple concept was developed when Chris spoke at a local high school in 2011 and the front row of students were wearing Purple shirts. After Chris shared his story, one of the purple shirts raised her hand and stood up to speak. As snickering and laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium, the student said “Thank you Mr. Herren for validating what we do. We are the sober students of this high school and each year we take a pledge to not use drugs or alcohol.” Chris was captured by the courage it took to not only stand up and share the symbolism of the purple shirts, but was inspired to make a difference amongst adolescents across the United States.

The Facts

In the US in 2008, almost one third of adolescents ages 12 to 17 drank alcohol in the past year.                                                             – SAMHSA, 2010

1 in 6 Teens has used a prescription drug in order to get high or change their mood.                                                                                                  – The Partnership at Drugfree.org

In an average day 4,365 used an illicit drug for the first time – SAMHSA, 2010

Every day, more than 2,000 kids use a prescription medicine to get high for the first time.                                                             – The Partnership at Drugfree.org

90% of addictions get their start in the teenage years. – The Partnership at Drugfree.org

One person dies every 19 minutes from a drug overdose in the United States.                                                          – The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Stand Up & Join Us In 2013!