Health and Human Services
The Division of Health and Human Services (HHS) includes the Health Department, Public Health Nursing, Council on Aging, Youth Services and six grant-funded programs: Mass in Motion, Tobacco Control, Shannon Grant, MassCALL3 Grant, Public Health Excellence Grant and the Local Health Support for COVID-19 Grant. The Board of Health, Disability Commission, and Council on Aging Board are also supported by this division.
The mission of HHS is to promote the creation and protection of a healthier community for all who live and work in Fall River by:
- informing and educating local youth, seniors, and the general public about public health issues;
- providing Senior Centers that offer educational and social opportunities for seniors;
- providing medical transportation for seniors;
- delivering public health nursing services;
- encouraging positive youth developments by collaborating with youth-servicing agencies, sponsoring youth leadership groups, identifying youth issues, and encouraging positive social behaviors;
- mobilizing and participating in community partnerships to identify and resolve community health and human service challenges and issues; and
- promoting, enforcing, and educating the populace about Public Health Codes and Regulations.
The Health Department handles all administrative work for the Division of Health and Human Services, including payroll, accounts payable, grant management and oversight, maintenance of records of past-issued burial permits and immunizations, and issuance of all of the Health-related licenses. The Health Inspectors provide food and milk permits and inspect all food establishments in the City.
Through our Public Health Nurse, HHS is also responsible for interfacing with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on follow-up and case management of reportable contagious diseases, rendering treatment for active tuberculosis (TB) cases, providing TB testing and investigation of contacts, and administering emergency immunizations. It also is responsible for Public Health Emergency Planning and site set-up operations, when necessary.
The Department of Public Health has co-ordinate powers with local boards of health to investigate contagious or infectious diseases M.G.L. c.111,s.7.
Tuberculosis Clinic Information
Clinic Hours:
TB Plant (Testing) – Tuesdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
TB Reading – Thursdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Clinic Location:
1 Government Center, Fourth Floor, Room 431
Tuberculin testing (Mantoux) is only offered on Tuesdays. TB testing is available for Fall River residents ONLY. Please bring proof of address to the TB Clinic (ID with Fall River address, utility bill or other mail with your name on it, school documents, or other applicable documentation).
It is necessary to return in 48 hours (the following Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) for test results, otherwise re-testing will be necessary.
- There will be an administration fee of $10.00. The fee is due on the day the test is administered. Credit cards are not accepted.
- Anyone who does not return on the following Thursday for test results will be charged if another test is requested. *** NO EXCEPTIONS ***
- Valid photo identification is required. Please bring proof of address.
Contact Info:
Phone: 508-324-2410
Fax: 508-324-2544
healthdepartment@fallriverma.gov
One Government Center
Room 431
Fall River, MA 02772