Fall River expected to receive nearly $8 million in opioid settlement funds; here is where some of it is going

FALL RIVER, MA – The City of Fall River has announced the beneficiaries of opioid settlement funds. The two grants totaling $66,200 will work to address two of the priority areas identified through a comprehensive community engagement initiative: supporting people in treatment and recovery and prevention efforts. The funding will be provided to the Fall River Public Schools and the Advocacy Fund to increase their capacity to support Fall River students, individuals, and families who have been impacted.

The Fall River Public Schools were awarded $36,360 and will purchase a school health curriculum to be used in FRPS, Atlantis Charter School, Argosy Charter School, and Diman Vocational Technical High School. This will allow students across the community to have a cohesive and consistent health education program. In addition, a community wide speaker presentation is included in the proposed budget to unify and engage the community around this new curriculum.

The Advocacy Fund was established to address the urgent needs of individuals affected by substance use disorders. With additional funding the Advocacy Fund seeks to continue to support individuals by providing basic needs (hygienic supplies, harm reduction supplies) support individuals with rental and utilities support, assist with sober living costs, and provide financial support to impact families and/or assist with funeral expenses.

The City of Fall River Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee continues to review applications submitted during the primary round of grant opportunities. Fall River expects to receive almost $8 million in settlement funds through 2038. These funds will focus on substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support in the community.