BHS Named WWCMA WorkWell Massachusetts Awards Honorable Mention

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) was named a 2025 WorkWell Massachusetts Awards program Honorable Mention recipient in the large group category for exemplary worksite health promotion by the Worksite Wellness Council of MA (WWCMA), powered by Healthiest Employers.

This award recognizes BHS's achievements in providing best-in-class programs and supporting employees through a culture of well-being, stated a press release.

"This statewide recognition of our Wellness at Work team is well deserved," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President & CEO. "These exceptional health professionals tailor wellness strategies, including assessments, high-risk focus, robust risk reduction, on-site/virtual options, and rigorous evaluation, serving many businesses in the region and our own BHS employees."

Berkshire Health Systems Wellness at Work program prioritizes health and quality of life. Beyond mere medical treatment, it addresses total costs—absences, disabilities, compensation, productivity, and organizational impact, continued a press release.

"Due to the collective efforts and remarkable dedication of the wellness community, the competition for this year's awards was exceptionally fierce," says Barb Petersen, WWCMA Board Director and Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee. "The innovative approaches and high standards set by organizations across Massachusetts made this year's selection process particularly challenging, underscoring the significant progress we're making in advancing workplace wellness."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.

"This year's awards were especially exciting with a notable increase in first-time applicants and winners," says Archana Kansagra, WWCMA Board Director, Co-Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee, and founder of the WorkWell MA Awards program. "It's inspiring to see so many new organizations stepping up and showcasing their commitment to workplace wellness. Their fresh perspectives and innovative programs have inspired meaningful change within their organizations and we're looking forward to giving them a platform to share their best practices."

WorkWell Massachusetts Awards is a corporate award program created by WWCMA, a not-for-profit member organization dedicated to the advancement of worksite wellness programs. WWCMA is partnering with Healthiest Employers, in recognizing people-first organizations who a proactive approach to employee health.


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Use of Slurs Sparks Community Conversation in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After a Herberg Middle School teacher was placed on leave for allegedly repeating homophobic and racial slurs used by a student, the district is gathering the community for a conversation about how to move forward. 

The discussion will be held Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m. at Conte Community School in partnership with the public schools, Westside Legends and the Berkshire chapter of the NAACP.

On Thursday, interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said the district recognizes the seriousness of concerns from students, families, and staff members in a statement to the school community.

"As interim Superintendent, I have a broad view across our school system and am hearing experiences and concerns from many corners of our community. From my 26 years in education, I know these challenges are not unique to our district. That said, this is our opportunity to do this work within our own schools and strengthen our public education system and culture," she wrote over Parent Square, which was posted on social media and the district website. 

"I want to be clear that there is no place for derogatory or discriminatory language in our schools, whether in classrooms, hallways, on athletic fields, buses, or anywhere in our learning environments. We must address individual situations thoughtfully, fairly, and with care for everyone involved, while also committing to the long-term work of shaping school environments where every student experiences dignity, belonging, safety, and respect." 

At this meeting, they will discuss how to best move forward together. 

"Our students are watching how we respond," Phillips wrote. 

"We have an opportunity to model what it looks like to address difficult issues with fairness, dignity, honesty, and care, and in doing so, strengthen our schools for the long term." 

Last week, the Pittsfield Public Schools Human Resources Department confirmed that an 8th-grade teacher at the middle school was placed on leave. The teacher was reportedly describing a classroom incident when the slurs were repeated.

The complaint was publicly made by parent Brett Random, who is the executive director of Berkshire County Head Start. 

On her personal Facebook page, she said her daughter reported that her math teacher, "used extremely offensive language including both a racial slur (N word) and a homophobic slur (F word) and then reportedly tried to push other students to repeat those words later in the day when students were questioning her on her behavior."

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