BCC Offers Peer Recovery Coach Training

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will offer a Peer Recovery Coach training session beginning Aug. 3, 2026.
 
Course times are flexible, tailored for each student. Tuition is free for Pittsfield residents and $1,343 for non-Pittsfield residents. To learn more, fill out an interest form at www.berkshirecc.edu/peer-recovery.
 
The comprehensive training program prepares participants to effectively support individuals in recovery through a combination of core certification, ethical guidance and specialized learning opportunities. It is geared towards individuals in long-term recovery, family members or loved ones of people in recovery, recovery support staff, community health workers and outreach specialists. 
 
"This program represents more than workforce development; it is the creation of a recovery infrastructure for Pittsfield. By training local residents as peer recovery coaches, we are investing in sustainable support systems that will change lives and strengthen our community," said Andi Cambi, Pittsfield Director of Public Health. 
 
Core training elements include:
  • Recovery coach academy: Build essential skills to mentor and support individuals in recovery while fostering personal and professional growth.
  • Ethical considerations: Develop a strong ethical framework and practical strategies to navigate real-world challenges with confidence and professionalism.
     
Supplemental training includes the choice of one of the following:
  • Spirituality for recovery coaches
  • Professionalism in peer support roles
  • Recovery coaching in emergency departments
  • Coachervision (supervisory training)
  • Recovery coaching in justice settings
 
In addition, students who complete the program will receive a one-year webinar membership, featuring relevant topics informed by industry trends and participant feedback.

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PHS Air and Water Quality Within Accepted Levels

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Air and water quality testing at Pittsfield High School came back within acceptable levels, and the administration is open to additional testing. 

Last week, the School Committee accepted test results on the facility that has sat on East Street for nearly 100 years.  The report was done in collaboration with Atlas Technical Consultants and the Pittsfield Water Department. 

Readings were "acceptable" in all tested locations, and there are recommendations for monitoring humidity, replacing equipment, and additional air monitoring when needed.  Some retesting needed to be done, and a couple of sink faucets were removed in the process. 

"If you want every room sampled, we can do it," Mayor Peter Marchetti said in response to Ciara Batory's concerns about air sampling in only a handful of rooms. 

"This is the report that came back, and this report does not show that children are in danger."

Limited indoor air quality readings were done in rooms 102, 103, 104, and 116 on June 31.  Air quality testing was also done two years ago. 

Humidity levels were slightly above American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers guidelines in rooms 103 and 104; monitoring and dehumidification are recommended. 

The report says that mold spores captured in rooms 103 and 104 likely originated from an indoor source.  Custodial deep cleaning was done right before samples were taken, and a retest showed levels within an acceptable range. 

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