Increased unemployment, foreclosures, and other financial distress in communities can result in a whole host of negative health effects. It can be particularly devastating to the emotional and mental well-being of people living in the community. The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA )is awarding to three communities experiencing economic hardship up to $16.8 million for up to four years to improve behavioral health service outcomes. These Community Resilience and Recovery Initiative (CRRI) grants focus existing community health service resources on behavioral health needs and draw on the compounding effect of well-coordinated action. SAMHSA grant funds will be used for substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, short-term therapies for depression and anxiety, interventions for problematic alcohol use and other strategies to address resiliency and wellness. Mayor William Flanagan announced on November 1, 2010 that the City of Fall River will work with Stanley Street Treatment & Resources.and other human service organizations in Fall River to implement the grant. Click here for the Herald News article about the announcement. For more information on the project, contact Nancy Paull at 508-679-5222..
 

(Top row, left) U.S. Congressman Barney Frank chats with State Representative Michael Rodrigues and SSTAR CEO Nancy Paull before the press conference. (Top row, center) Ms. Paull talks with City of Fall River Health and Human Services Director Henry Vaillancourt, M.D. as Fall River School Committee member and SSTAR board member Marilyn Rodrigues. (Top row, right) Massachusetts Senator Joan Menard, Ms. Paull and Congressman Frank listen as Mayor Flanagan opens with an announcement of the $1.4 million grant to the city. (Middle row, left and right) Congressman Frank thanks those involved with obtaining the grant as evaluator Donna Caldwell of  NPIC/QAS and BOLD Coalition director Craig Gaspard applaud. (Bottom row, center) Marilyn Rodrigues talks about the potential benefits of the grant to the residents of the city in the coming years. (Bottom row, right) Fall River Herald News reporter Kevin O'Connor interviews Ms. Paul preparatory to his article.