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Fall River, Massachusetts will receive $3.2 million in federal funding over four years in order to address substance use and homelessness.
The grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Department of Justice will support a partnership involving Fall River Westport and Berkley police and EMS along with Southcoast Hospitals SSTAR and other local agencies.
The goal is to prevent overdoses and help more people find housing and enter treatment.
FAST Team to Nearly Double in Size
The funding will roughly double the Fall River Addiction Support and Treatment unit known as the FAST Team. The team is expected to grow to about 12 or 13 members.
Nichole Fontaine the city’s director of outreach services said the current team includes a police liaison a data outreach coordinator two recovery coaches a clinician and herself.
The expansion will add another clinician and a Southcoast CARES outreach worker who will focus on people experiencing homelessness.
Several Fall River police officers will also receive training to serve as liaisons. A community health worker will help people navigate insurance issues that can keep them from getting care.
Grant funding will also allow EMS responders to visit homeless encampments with supplies that include antibiotics.
Overdose Deaths Have Declined
Fontaine said the funding builds on progress the city has made in reducing overdoses. About a decade ago Fall River recorded roughly 70 fatal overdoses and 1,500 non-fatal overdoses in a single year.
Last year non-fatal overdoses fell into the 300s while fatalities stood at around 40. State data recorded 38 opioid-related deaths in Fall River in 2025. That was down from nearly 80 in 2022 and 75 in 2020.
The decline comes as fentanyl xylazine and methamphetamine continue to affect the drug supply.
Police and Health Workers Respond Together
The FAST Team brings police officers together with clinicians and recovery coaches to connect people with treatment and other services.
The expanded team will have more staff focused on reaching people in crisis and helping them get care. Its work will include outreach to people living in encampments and support for those who need help accessing treatment or housing.
Interim Police Chief J.T. Hoar said the funding will help officers and partner agencies respond more effectively to mental health calls.
Finding Treatment Options
If you or a loved one is need of recovery services, Rehabs.org lists thousands of treatment centers that have various levels of care. Call
800-914-7089
(
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to learn more information.
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