BCArc Announced Supervisor Promotion

07:34AM / Wednesday, December 03, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. &mdash Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) named Maryellen Lassalle as the newest Brain Injury Residential Supervisor.

Previously she was Site Manager at program in Russell for six years.

Lassalle will oversee programs in Westfield, Southwick, Southampton, and Russell.

"She has been a wonderful asset since starting with BCArc nearly 10 years ago," said Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO. "She has brought a high level of compassion and expertise to her program, and we look forward to her leadership as a Supervisor."

Born and raised in Holyoke, Maryellen lives in Westfield. Before joining BCArc, she worked in nursing homes in a variety of capacities for 15 years.

"As site manager of Russell, I opened the new program six years ago and worked to create a culture of family," she said. "I will miss working here every day, but I will still be part of the program and am excited to support and provide care for the other houses, individuals, and staff I will work with. I am excited to take on a new challenge. I am grateful for this opportunity."

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Berkshire Health System Blood Program Helps Shield County From National Shortage

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
04:38AM / Wednesday, August 05, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The American Red Cross declared its second national blood supply crisis in its history on Monday, but community members can breathe easy thanks to Berkshire Health System's blood donor program.

Berkshire Medical System has always had a stationary donor center for autologous donations, which is no longer common practice, and had some O-negative blood on hand that it purchased from the Red Cross prior to having its own blood donor program, said Christine Amuso, blood donor coordinator.

Today, Berkshire Health System's blood donor program collects about 2,300 to 2,400 units of blood annually, all of which stays within Berkshire County to help keep local blood supplies stocked.

In some years, the program has reached record collections of about 3,000 units.

"That [record has] only happened a couple of times since I've been employed with the program. So, we really have done wonders with the program," Amuso said.

Donating blood through Berkshire Health System's program is accessible, with a donor center at the main campus and a mobile blood unit that travels throughout Berkshire County, including select Saturdays.

While appointments for blood donations are strongly encouraged, staff also intentionally leave scheduling gaps to accommodate additional donors who walk in without an appointment.

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