People dealing with substance abuse can now be directly connected to recovery resources by going to Fall River fire stations, thanks to a new program that’s the first of its kind in Massachusetts.
“This program will make the first step of recovery easier and more accessible to those who don’t know where to turn,” Mayor Paul Coogan said at a press conference announcing the program on Wednesday at the city’s North Fire Station.
A new sign outside each of the city’s six fire stations marks them as “safe stations” for people dealing with addiction. Between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day, anyone can go into a station and request help. Members of the department will bring in a recovery expert who will help them seek treatment from several organizations including Steppingstone Incorporated, Stanley Street Treatment and Rehabilitation, Boston Medical Center and St. Anne’s Hospital.