The board’s discussion on the opioid settlement funds was particularly noteworthy. A public meeting was scheduled to further engage community members in the decision-making process for the allocation of these funds. The board expressed satisfaction with the level of community response to the online survey and emphasized the importance of using this feedback to inform their evaluation of proposals from community-based organizations and city departments.

Concerns regarding the city’s water fluoridation, or lack thereof, also surfaced during the meeting. It was mentioned that the water remains non-fluoridated due to issues with the existing infrastructure, which has led to an increase in fluoride tablet prescriptions as a supplementary measure. The lack of progress in funding capital improvements for water fluoridation was noted, and the board discussed the necessity of ensuring pediatricians are aware of the situation to properly address the dental health needs of children in Fall River.

In addition to these primary topics, the board approved a tattoo apprenticeship license and briefly touched on the presence of bird flu in milk, although it was established that pasteurized milk products pose minimal risk to humans. The date for the next meeting was set for May 28th, following Memorial Day.