BMC and Fairview Honored with HEI Awards

10:21AM / Tuesday, June 23, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the health care field.

By choosing to participate in this voluntary assessment, healthcare facilities can identify strengths, gaps, and areas for continued action in meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ patients and staff. Both Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital were ranked as High Performers by implementing policies and practices that ensure equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. As a newly licensed hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital expects to apply for HEI recognition in a future cycle.

"Every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, dignified healthcare," said Darlene Rodowicz, Berkshire Health Systems President and CEO. "As part of our commitment to advancing health and wellness for everyone in our community, we are proud to have Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performers in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2026 Healthcare Equality Index."

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated, "It's vital for all LGBTQ+ people to get the most accurate information we have on access to care across the country, and we are proud of the ways in which the HEI helps the community understand this."

The HEI helps healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+-inclusive care even under extraordinary pressure. The report offers aggregate findings, benchmarks, and guidance for adaptation. The standard remains: every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, and dignified care. In the 2026 edition of the HEI, overall participation remained strong, despite a challenging moment for LGBTQ+ inclusive health care.

Tags: BHS, BMC, Fairview Hospital,

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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