PARTNERS | HEALTHY CITY  | HOW HEALTHY | VISION | SUMMIT | PRIORITIES | FUNCTIONS | CITY OF FALL RIVER


Photo by Fall River Tribune
Southcoast Drug Task Force
Action Plan Participant:
Office of Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr.

The Mayor's office has launched a region-wide cooperative effort among law enforcement, education, treatment center operators and elected officials to address the heroin and substance abuse crisis in the Fall River/New Bedford Area.

 

 

Priority Area:  Safety and Substance Abuse 
Priority Sub-Area:   

1,B)     A drug-free community, including enforcement of  tobacco regulations

Goal:

To reduce the availability and use of heroin and other illegal substances among Fall River residents  

Method(s):

In the first year each of the four subgroups will draft their comprehensive plan to address the ongoing crisis. In addition members will collaborate on advocacy for additional resources and grant opportunities.
Timeline:            2004-2009
Indicators:       

Reduced drug-related arrests; reduced drug-treatment admissions, increased opportunities for youth involvement in education and recreational activities

Progress: Each of the four workgroups - treatment providers, educators, law enforcement, and elected officials has drafted an action plan and will made specific plans for implementation in the Spring of 2005. The Task Force is also investigating outside funding sources to support regional drug prevention initiatives.

How citizens can  get involved:

Advocacy for more resources, participate in community-based drug prevention activities such as neighborhood crime watch and youth programs.

Contact Information: Michael Coughlin, Director of Health and Human Services, City of Fall River, 508 324-2404, mcoughlin@fallriverma.org