Working with our Neighbors for a Healthier Berkshires

Our Community Outreach programs are here for you, because our mission is to improve the health of every person in Berkshire County. We provide health screenings and education, wellness coaching and appropriate clinical and social service referrals. Additionally, BHS Community Outreach professionals can provide specific health topic presentations, and wellness classes. Please call to learn about having these services interpreted for non-English speakers.

Our team, in collaboration with other BHS departments and/or community partners, provides blood pressure screening, wellness education and health coaching at local organizations such as:

• Food pantries
• Community Meal sites
• Homeless Shelters
• Schools, from Elementary to College
• Community agencies
• Faith-based organizations
• Community fairs and events
• Public spaces such as libraries and the Intermodal Center
• Elderly and subsidized housing sites
• Retail establishments

Additional services we provide in collaboration with other BHS departments and our community partners:

• Wellness screenings (Screening for high blood glucose or cholesterol)
• Flu Vaccinations (Offered annually)
• Nutrition education
• Wellness coaching
• Cancer education and mammogram scheduling
• Stress management

Health & Wellness Classes: Small Steps to Health

Small Steps to Health wellness screening and classes build on what you know about health, and help you put that knowledge into small, do-able steps, which can create BIG changes in your health. Small Steps includes a Wellness Screening, which gives participants information about their blood glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Additionally, Small Steps is four interactive classes, each an hour-long, to help you change what you know about health into healthy behaviors.

Each Small Steps participant will create their own wellness vision, which will guide them as they explore how to eat better, move more, and find more joy in life. Where are you on your health journey? Would you like to create a plan, just for you, to improve your health and quality of life? If you are ready to take a small step, call to learn more about upcoming classes.

Be Well Berkshires

In partnership with the Tri-town Health Department and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Be Well Berkshires is a Mass in Motion Department of Public Health initiative to support healthy eating and active living. Through programs such as the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, collaborations to create Walking Loops, or doubling SNAP, WIC, and Senior Coupons at the Downtown Farmers Market, BWB is helping people eat better and move more. In addition the program supports:

• Increasing access to healthy foods at food pantries and farmers markets
• Healthier dining options at local restaurants
• Creating a more bike-friendly and walkable community

To learn more, contact the Be Well Berkshires coordinator: Morgan Ovitsky 413-445-7069 or email mkulchinsk@bhs1.org 

• Visit the Be Well Berkshires Website or their Facebook Page

To find learn more about BHS Community Outreach services or to register for one our informative health education classes, please contact:

Meg McGonagle
Community Health Education Coordinator
510 North St., Suite 6, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:  (413) 445-7028
Email:  mmcgonagle@bhs1.org 

Kayla Fappiano
Community Health Educator
510 North St., Suite 6, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone:  (413) 445-9242
Email:  kfappiano@bhs1.org