Berkshire Harm Reduction Moving to Downtown Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Berkshire Harm Reduction is relocating its Pittsfield office.

Berkshire Harm Reduction will move from its current 510 North St. location to a larger space at 42 Summer St., second floor, effective Monday, May 13.

The need for additional space has been prompted by Berkshire Harm Reduction's growth since it first opened in 2017.

"In the past several years, Berkshire Harm Reduction has grown in staff and services, providing care to nearly 50 clients each day in the Pittsfield office," said Sarah DeJesus, program manager. "We have continually expanded our program in order to provide this essential community service." 

Berkshire Harm Reduction's 510 North St. office will remain open on May 9 and 10, which are the moving dates, and the new office is expected to be open at 42 Summer St. on Monday, May 13 for its regular hours of operation. 

Berkshire Harm Reduction's mission is to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use, such as the spread of infectious diseases. Berkshire Harm Reductions aims to mitigate health complications from substance use by providing comprehensive services to people with substance use disorder.

In addition to free sterile supplies, fentanyl test strips, and Narcan, Berkshire Harm Reduction offers testing, for individuals 13 and over, for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted infections as well as basic wound care and abscess prevention. The program has also worked to provide cost-free access to Narcan through the placement of Narcan boxes in more than 60 locations across the Berkshires.

Berkshire Harm Reduction has two office locations, in Pittsfield and North Adams, and provides access to its mobile unit across the county, while also offering home delivery services for clients.

For more information, visit the Harm Reduction page on the Berkshire Health Systems website.

To connect with the team about supplies and services, call or text 413-822-6876.

If you are a community organization that would like to host a Narcan training or put up a Narcan box, contact Berkshire Harm Reduction at 413-822-6876.


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BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
 
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner. 
 
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
 
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
 
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system. 
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