Nearly $3.2 million will be distributed to Fall River, Westport and Berkley over the next four years to help address substance abuse and overdoses across the region.

 

Officials announced the funding as local leaders continue efforts to reduce overdose deaths and connect people struggling with addiction and mental health to services.

 

According to city officials, fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Fall River have declined since 2018, when the city recorded more than 1,000 overdoses. Even so, officials said outreach efforts, community partnerships and employee training remain critical.

 

“When you embed a team with a policeman, with an outreach worker, with an intake worker, with therapists, and get people the help they need, it does make a difference,” said Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.

 

Fall River police, along with the Westport and Berkley police departments, received the funding through a Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant and another grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

The combined funding has supported the creation of a “High Risk HUB,” which brings together hospitals, courts and other organizations to coordinate services for people at risk.

 

Since 2020, the Fall River Addiction Support and Treatment (FAST) Response Team has helped about 1,500 people annually, according to program director Niki Fontaine. She said the additional funding could allow the team to serve even more residents.

 

“Just because we help someone in that crisis, we’re following up for at least six months, regardless [of] if it was mental health, substance use, or homelessness. I think the follow-up is key,” Fontaine said.

 

Fontaine said cases are handled based on each person’s circumstances. For some, the team may take a holistic approach, while for others, it could be different. “Sometimes we have to be tough, you know, and I think just making sure you have a good balance,” Fontaine said.

 

Fontaine said this is the first year the FAST Response Team has received increased funding and credited the program’s sustained efforts with contributing to the decline in overdose rates.

 

See more at wpri.com.