Second Community COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic Scheduled

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative has scheduled another community COVID-19 vaccine clinic, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Berkshire Community College Patterson Field House. 
 
The clinic will provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, including first or second doses for those 5 to 11, Pfizer boosters for those 16 to 17, and first, second or booster doses to eligible adults. The booster helps to prevent contracting COVID-19 or prevents serious illness in those with breakthrough cases of the virus.
 
Pre-registration is required for this vaccine clinic and can be done by visiting www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org.
 
"The Omicron variant is now spreading rapidly across the state and country, and booster vaccination is the best tool to avoid infection, or if infected, to reduce the severity of the illness," said James Lederer, MD, Berkshire Health Systems Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines provide good protection against Omicron, and we hope those in our community who have not yet received a booster will register for this event or get a booster at other locations where available."
 
A clinic held on Dec. 18 at BCC saw close to 1,000 people vaccinated, and the January clinic is expected to continue that trend.
 
The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative is a partnership of Berkshire Health Systems, the Berkshire County Boards of Health Association and Community Health Programs, and successfully vaccinated tens of thousands of Berkshire residents throughout early to mid-2021.
 
For more information on the BCC clinic, visit www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org.

Tags: BCC,   BHS,   BMC,   COVID-19,   vaccinations,   


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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.  

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.  

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release. 

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs. 

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community. 

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program.  Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment. 

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