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Williamstown Medical Changes Name, Relocates North Adams Offices

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Williamstown Medical Associates has changed its name to Williamstown Medical of BMC (Berkshire Medical Center) and relocated its North Adams offices.

The practice moved on Feb. 1 to the second floor of the main building of the North Adams Campus of BMC at 71 Hospital Ave. The suite has been fully renovated and refurbished and can be accessed through the main lobby. The practice had previously been in the Ambulatory Care Center.

Williamstown Medical became an affiliate of Berkshire Health Systems at the end of 2013 and is now fully integrated with the BHS physician practices in order to gain advantages for the long-term health of the practice. Williamstown sought the affiliation because at the time it faced financial and support pressures, common to physician practices across the United States, that were threatening its ability to effectively serve the 12,000 patients who depended on it for care.

Changes in health-care policy and in the health insurance reimbursement system have challenged the viability of private physician practices. At the same time, health-care systems like BHS are increasingly relied upon to ensure current and future access to critical services for the community by investing in physician practices and ensuring they have the necessary support systems and financial stability and investment to succeed in the long-term.


"Through our partnership with Berkshire Health Systems, Williamstown Medical of BMC has preserved and strengthened the availability of primary care and other medical services in Northern Berkshire, and has enhanced the ability to coordinate and provide health services throughout the system and across the county for primary and specialty care services," said Dr. Anthony M. Smeglin, physician practice leader. "Our practice is stronger and BHS is continuing its recruitment of new physicians and advanced practice professionals to serve the residents of Northern Berkshire.

"In fact, we have a new physician assistant who will be starting soon. We are pleased to be teamed with the many other highly successful primary care and specialty physician practices in the BHS group."

Williamstown Medical of BMC has offices in Williamstown and North Adams, and phone numbers have not changed. For Williamstown the number is 413-458-8182, and in North Adams, 413-664-5710. The Williamstown location is also home to BHS Walk-In Care, providing care for non-urgent health situations on a walk-in basis, and open Monday through Friday from 10 to 6.

"We are pleased to welcome our North Adams office patients to the new facility," said Smeglin. "Berkshire Health Systems leadership worked with our staff to provide a modern, attractive and state-of-the-art space for our patients and our providers."


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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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