Journey Bank hosts free community presentation featuring Chris Herren
Posted on February 27, 2026
Bloomsburg, PA — Journey Bank will host a free community presentation featuring Chris Herren — former NBA and Division I basketball player and nationally recognized advocate for substance use prevention and recovery — on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds Arts & Crafts Building.
The event follows Journey Bank’s recent sponsorship of 15 in-school assemblies across the region, reaching nearly 9,000 middle and high school students. After strong feedback from students, educators, and administrators, the Bank expanded its initiative to include a community-wide presentation for adults, families, and local leaders.
“After witnessing the tremendous impact Chris had in our schools, we felt a responsibility to bring this message to parents, families, community leaders, and our own employees,” said Lance Diehl, President & CEO of Journey Bank. “As a community bank, investing in prevention and education is part of how we support long-term community well-being. Our goal is to encourage proactive, informed conversations around the topic of substance use prevention.”
“This event reinforces the idea that prevention doesn’t stop at the school doors,” said Adam DiBattista, Drug and Alcohol Programs Administrator, CMSU Behavioral Health. “It takes families, community organizations, and local leaders working together. We are grateful for Journey Bank’s sponsorship of this event as it supports real world recovery and prevention efforts in our local schools and across our communities.”
Herren’s presentation, Prevention Starts With All: The Chris Herren Story, is designed for adult and community audiences and differs in format and content from the student assemblies. He shares his personal journey from professional basketball through substance use disorder and recovery, emphasizing prevention, accountability, and the role communities play in supporting healthier outcomes. The event is free and open to the public and will include a moderated question-and-answer session.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. (Seating is limited)
Location: Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Arts & Crafts Building
980 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA
For more information, visit journeybank.com or follow Journey Bank on social media.
Media Advisory
Media are invited to attend and cover the event.
Advance Interview Opportunity:
Journey Bank President & CEO Lance Diehl is available for advance media interviews to discuss the school assembly initiative, community prevention outreach, and why Journey Bank is sponsoring this program series.
Day-of Media Access:
Chris Herren will be available for media photos and limited interviews from 7:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. prior to the presentation start.
Video & Photo Guidelines:
• Advance B-roll and approved visuals available upon request
• Media may record the first five minutes of the speaking portion of the presentation only
• No full-length recording permitted
• Media check-in required upon arrival
Media Contact:
Maria Valles
Marketing Director, Journey Bank
570-387-7174
About Journey Bank
Journey Bank is a community bank with deep local roots, serving North Central Pennsylvania for more than 125 years. Headquartered in Bloomsburg, PA, the Bank has nearly 300 employees, 22 offices, and serves more than 50,000 customers across five counties. With $1.67 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, Journey Bank remains locally owned and committed to personalized service, local decision-making, and supporting the communities it serves.
