2nd Street to Host CHP Mobile Health Unit

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — 2nd Street will host the Community Health Programs (CHP) Mobile Health unit on Wednesday, February 28 from 1-3 pm.
 
CHP's Mobile Health teams offer the same services as a primary care provider or typical urgent care clinic, making it an excellent alternative for people with transportation challenges.
 
Participants do not have to be a CHP patient to use this service. In most cases, the visit will be covered by the individual's insurance. For those who are uninsured or can't afford to pay, services will be provided free of charge. A sliding fee scale is also available for eligible patients.
 
The CHP Mobile Health program provides:
  • Same-day urgent care
  • COVID-19 and flu and vaccines/testing
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Treatment of minor sickness, infections and injuries
  • UTI & STI testing and birth control services
  • Wellness checks, including food security and nutrition assistance
  • Primary care referrals and health education
  •  Family services & WIC
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Zebra Mussels Found in Pittsfield's Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city will treat one acre of Onota Lake for zebra mussels. 

On Wednesday, during a special virtual meeting, the Conservation Commission approved a series of three treatments with EarthTec QZ. During dive monitoring in August, a live adult zebra mussel was found near the boat ramp. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said it will begin in the next 7-10 days, and that this treatment is nearly identical to that in the fall of 2024, as approved by the ConCom and other entities. 

EarthTec QZ, an EPA-registered liquid molluscicide, will be applied to a 1-acre section from a boat with GPS guidance, about 14 days apart. There will be signs and notices of treatments to alert the public. 

Karen Murray, of the Lake Onota Preservation Association, explained that the area is from the rocky point north of the boat launch to the boat launch, and a little south of the fishing pier. 

"Again, does that mean we have live zebra mussels? We don't know, but it's pretty strong evidence of a potential problem," she said. 

Over the last few years, Pittsfield has grappled with occasional findings of the invasive species.

Pittsfield and LOPA embarked on an early detection process at Onota Lake in the fall of 2023; the state Department of Conservation and Recreation had found the area near the boat launch positive for zebra mussel eDNA. 

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