Forum to Focus on At-Risk Populations
NORTH ADAMS - Northern Berkshire Healthcare will host a community forum on defining and locating special, vulnerable, and at-risk populations in the Northern Berkshires on Tuesday, March 25, at 3 p.m. at North Adams Regional Hospital.Northern Berkshire Healthcare is part of the Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee. NBH has also taken a lead in the Northern Berkshire Pandemic Planning Committee, which includes community agencies, schools, colleges, health care, public health and community leaders to coordinate planning efforts and support of the community in the event of a pandemic. One aspect of planning is assuring that the needs of at-risk populations are met.
The Centers for Disease Control defines special populations as groups whose needs are not fully addressed by traditional service providers or who feel they cannot comfortably or safely access and use standard resources offered in emergency preparedness, relief, and recovery. These groups include seniors, community members with special needs, non-English speaking populations, long-term nursing care facilities, and other housing situations.
Northern Berkshire Healthcare has long been involved in Northern Berkshire emergency preparedness and was tasked with convening a group to look at the local at-risk populations. Agencies, organizations, and businesses that serve the Northern Berkshire communities have been invited to participate. Community members are welcome as well.
Information gathered at these meetings will be used to identify and map the special needs populations in northern Berkshire County. By using this tool, the northern Berkshire community will be better prepared to support all residents in the event of an emergency situation.
Community members and organizations interested in attending the forum should call 413-664-5404. Emergency planning information for individuals and families is available at www.nbhealth.org under the "community education" link.
