BCArc Names New Director of Adult Family Care

07:31AM / Wednesday, July 15, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Jessica Dunn has been named Berkshire County Arc's Director of the Adult Family Care Program.

She will oversee the program and its staff which provides support to families in their homes who care for a person needing assistance with daily living. The program includes financial support for the caretaker, nursing oversight, and case management.

"This is a critical program for families in Western Massachusetts who need help with a family member in their home," said Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO. "Many families qualify and do not realize this help is available. Jessica has the experience to expand this program, strengthen the supports we offer, and make it more visible."

Most recently, Jessica managed the Remote Supports & Monitoring Department for UCP of Western Mass. Before that she worked in various human services positions, including a paraprofessional in the North Adams School District. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration, and a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Business, and a Minor in Leadership.

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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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