Deborah Allard Herald News Staff Reporter @debsallard

Tuesday

Feb 5, 2019 at 5:15 PM Feb 5, 2019 at 5:16 PM

FALL RIVER — A $3.8 million grant will enable Stanley Street Treatment and Resources to increase access to psychiatric services in Greater Fall River, where a shortage of behavioral health professionals has hurt individuals suffering from poor mental health.

“We’re thrilled,” said SSTAR CEO Nancy Paull. “The need is so great.”

SSTAR will receive the two-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement a certified community behavioral health center.

U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III visited SSTAR on Tuesday to talk about how the grant will benefit SSTAR.

Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III announces award of $3.8 million dollars Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration grant to SSTAR. Thanks for your support @RepJoeKennedy pic.twitter.com/619IPpAlPC

— SSTAR (@sstarinc) February 5, 2019

Paull said SSTAR’s goal is to recruit mental health professionals and nurse practitioners to increase programming. She said SSTAR has not been able to compete with others paying “more than we can afford,” so has had difficulty retaining mental health professionals.

She said SSTAR will hire two psychiatric nurse practitioners and two psychiatrists to treat adults and children.

SSTAR will be able to offer additional assessment and treatment services, a psychiatric day treatment program, increased child and adolescent behavioral health services, and family supportive services.

Kennedy said the results of the enhanced programming at SSTAR will serve as a model for other medical and psychiatric facilities across the country, according to a press release.

The grant will be put into operation in the spring of 2019.

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.

— SSTAR (@sstarinc)February 5, 2019

SSTAR to receive $3.8 million grant to increase mental health services

Tuesday