Mayor, health officer offer Fourth of July words of caution

CENTRAL FALLS — The Central Falls Office on Health, headed by Dr. Michael Fine, asks that residents celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend safely. It is the perfect time for families to spend time together securely by ensuring that members drink moderately if at all, and don't use drugs over the holiday weekend or the Salsa Night festivities.

The Office on Health and the Substance Use Disorder Task Force ,made up of numerous city stakeholders, including the Prevention Coalition, have worked extensively and lowered the city’s substance abuse percentages over the past year. They hope to continue the downward trend throughout the summer months, beginning with the Independence Day weekend.

“It is important that people have fun and relax this weekend, but it is also important that people take care of each other,” stated Mayor James A. Diossa. “Fortunately for the city, we are one of the few in the state with a dedicated Office on Health headed by the very respected Dr. Michael Fine. For this I am very grateful.”

Trends in the past year from the Substance Use Disorder Task Force Dashboard show that substance abuse incidents have continued to decrease. However, the Task Force noted there an increase in prescribed opioids used by city residents, and a sudden jump in the number of EMS runs from alcohol intoxication from April to May.

“It is a particularly good time to avoid using drugs of any sort, given the resources provided by the Office of Health and our partners,” stated Fine. “This great city must continue to work together to reduce drug and alcohol consumption as we work to become the healthiest city in the state.”