Fall River Mayor Correia: Drug Abuse Is Public Health Issue

The new Mayor of Fall River, Jasiel Correia says drug abuse is a major concern in his city, but he wants to change the city's direction in battling the problem.

"We're really looking to talk about drug abuse in Fall River as a public health problem, not as a criminal action. This epidemic has really caused a strain on our Police Department and is stifling us from moving forward," said the Mayor .

Police Chief Daniel Racine says Fall River Police have responded 655 times to drug overdose calls in 2015.

Correia announced Monday he had named Michael Aguiar as Fall River's Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator. Aguair has been a long time prevention services director at SSTAR in Fall River.

"If we can see any kind of decrease in the numbers then i consider that a success. The numbers are out of control right now all over the country, and if we can show a difference here in Fall River then that's a success, and I think we can do that," said Aguiar.

Aguiar will be coordinating efforts with the police and school departments, overseeing grants and grant-writing, and working with other community agencies.