Sheriff's Department Gets Mental Health First Aid Training

Staff Reports 08:08AM / Friday, July 31, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College, in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Second Street Second Chances, recently conducted mental health first aid training for the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office.

The course taught participants how to identify risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for helping someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

The training is part of an effort to increase support services for Berkshire residents and their loved ones affected by substance use, as well as furthering public safety overdose initiatives. These initiatives, set forth by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), are funded by the Remaining Health and Public Safety Overdose Initiatives Grant. The grant allocated $10,700 for the Berkshires project.

"This collaboration with BCC, 2nd Street and the Sheriff's Office is a critical step in increasing support for families affected by a loved one's substance use and incarceration. Through this training, we are equipping the staff with stronger tools to help guide family and friends in recognizing the early signs of substance use disorder, setting necessary boundaries, and effectively connecting their loved ones to essential care," said Andy Ottoson, senior public health planner at BRPC.

To learn more about mental health initiatives at BCC, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/mentalhealth.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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