Opioid Settlement Advisory - October 20, 2026

The Westport Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Committee held a hybrid meeting on Tuesday, October 20, chaired by Donna M. Amaral. The committee opened with the approval of the September 15, 2026 meeting minutes and proceeded to discuss an ongoing proposal to create a shared school and community advocate position for substance misuse and related mental health issues. Dr. Fran Roy shared refinements to the job description focusing on wraparound family support and tier-based coordination, while members debated whether the duties were too expansive for one person, the role of harm reduction, and the necessity of bridging to regional crisis and clinical providers.

Detective Michelle Donovan gave an update regarding the FAST team and the multi-agency Hub meetings covering high-risk individuals in Bristol County, noting that Child & Family Services provides 24/7 crisis support and mobile response. Amaral reported on regional SAMHSA grants awarded to Southcoast Health ($3.7 million over five years) and Steppingstone's Project SOAR. The committee also discussed strategies to engage community members with lived experience, potential school guest speakers on substance misuse, and the status of state reporting and committee administrative funds with the town accountant. The meeting concluded after a roll call vote to adjourn.

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