BCC Announces Addition of Three Free Healthcare Courses

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of three grant-funded courses in the healthcare arena: Medical Interpreter Training, Community Health Worker and Phlebotomy Technician. 
 
Spaces are limited but still available for all three courses, which are tuition-free. 
 
"We are thrilled to offer to the community these grant-funded programs, which will help fill the workforce gap in Berkshire County," said Tiffany Moreno, Instructional Program Manager: Health & Wellness. "The programs, which can be completed in one year or less, will provide the skills required for immediate entry into high-demand jobs." 
 
The free courses are: 
 
Medical Interpreter Training: January 19-April 27, 2023, Thursdays 6-9 pm and Saturdays 8:30-11:30 am.
A medical interpreter is someone who can break language barriers by using their linguistic skills to provide medical interpreting services to patients and medical professionals. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Participants build on interpreting skills, acquire knowledge specific to anatomy and psychology, develop terminology focused on the human body and more. Students must be fluent in both English and a second language. 
 
Community Health Worker, February 2-May 18, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.
The Community Health Worker program provides training for public health workers to serve as advocates and liaisons between traditionally underserved populations and health/social service providers. This program benefits anyone interested in exploring
educational and career pathways in community health, human services, healthcare or public health. 
 
Phlebotomy Technician, February 7-May 2, 2023, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm.
A phlebotomist is a medical professional who is trained to collect blood from both children and adults. They perform and prepare blood for testing so that it may be analyzed in a medical laboratory. This program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction. Instructors will discuss real life scenarios and provide the tools needed for success in the field. 

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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