BHS Diabetes Education Program Launches Weight Loss & Lifestyle Change Program

01:41PM / Tuesday, October 15, 2019Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Health Systems Diabetes Education Program has implemented a Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Program for those with Medicare, with new classes beginning in November, at multiple locations across the Berkshires.

The program is aimed at adults 18 and older who have a diagnosis of pre-diabetes by a blood test within the past year. To be eligible for this program, participants must have a need to lose weight, with a Body Mass Index of 25 or higher. The program involves 16 weekly classes over the first six-month period, and six monthly sessions over the remaining six months, for a year-long program. Participants must also be willing to log food that they eat and their activity minutes. This program is covered by Medicare.

To apply for the program, call 413-395-7942. A representative from the BHS Diabetes Education Program will take down information and complete the pre-diabetes risk assessment questions. A lifestyle coach will then contact eligible participants to discuss the program and confirm acceptance.

Tags: BHS, diabetes,

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Closure Continues; Layoffs Reported

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:24AM / Thursday, October 29, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than a month after the Holiday Inn & Suites abruptly closed its doors, reports have emerged of employee layoffs.

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, when the last of its three elevators broke down. The 101 Restaurant & Bar, located inside the hotel, has also been a casualty of the closure, temporarily shutting its doors while repairs are underway.

Now, The Berkshire Eagle reports that 20 hotel employees across all departments have been laid off and it remains unknown when the hotel will reopen amidst ongoing issues with the building. The Holiday Inn & Suites declined to comment to iBerkshires' inquiries.

According to The Eagle, hotel facilities manager Pete Leidt said approximately five employees remain on staff and expressed hope that those who were laid off could return when the hotel reopens.

When the elevator stopped working, emergency medical technicians and firefighters assisted more than half a dozen people with mobility disabilities down the stairs, Building Commissioner Rian Dowd previously told iBerkshires.

"So with the no working elevators, we shut the building down," she said.

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.

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