FARMINGTON, N.H. — April 30th — A new Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Initiative was introduced by the Farmington NH Fire Department with the goal of addressing behavioral health and substance abuse issues in the community. Firefighter/AEMT Travis Dings is leading the initiative. He offers additional expertise to the endeavor from his prior work as a clinical case manager in behavioral health and drug use treatment programs around New England. By providing residents with resources prior to problems, the program aims to lower the number of overdoses, mental health crises, and recurrent emergency calls.

The department, which is located at 160 Main Street, intends to give people and families clear information about treatment and support resources. The program is a reflection of the fire service's increasing emphasis on community-based treatment, education, and prevention.