Celtics Help Kids Make Healthy Lifestyle Decisions

The Boston Celtics, Children's Hospital Boston, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Arbella Insurance and Athletic Evolution teamed up to host “Healthy Decisions for a Healthy Lifestyle: Positive Alternatives to Substance Abuse" on Thursday.

The event, which took place at Bentley University in Waltham, Mass., was open to all Celtics fans who purchased a Celtics license plate.

Celtics forward Bill Walker was a panel member, and he stressed the importance of decision making.

“Making positive decisions with drugs and alcohol have a major impact on everyone’s lives,” Walker said. “Growing up, I’ve seen lots of players who could have received college scholarships or even made it as a professional, but they let substance abuse get in the way. It’s important for everyone to take a look at how making the right choices affect them and the people they care about.”

The panel also included Children’s Hospital’s John Knight, MD, Athletic Evolution president Erik Kaloyanides and Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone. Comcast SportsNet's Greg Dickerson was the emcee.

“Drug and alcohol abuse is still a major problem in society today,” said Knight, who is the director of adolescent substance abuse at the hospital. “Children’s Hospital is proud to partner with the Celtics to help raise awareness with young adults about the dangers of substance abuse.”

The license plates cost $40, with all of the proceeds going to Children's Hospital.