Operation Better Start is a specialty health promotion service that is a unique partnership of diverse clinical disciplines - Registered and Licensed Dietitians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Physicians, and Certified Exercise Professionals - working together to provide a coordinated framework of services to women of childbearing age, children, adolescents, young adults and their families. The goal of Operation Better Start is to achieve positive changes in long-term health through an emphasis on:
OBS focuses on young people identified to be at a high degree of clinical risk for health conditions related to nutrition and lifestyle. In its clinical setting at the BMC Hillcrest Campus, OBS provides specialized counseling services to clients from infancy through age 22 and their families. OBS staff works with clients and families to address health issues including but not limited to obesity, failure to thrive, eating disorders, hypertension, food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes/ diabetes and sports nutrition. Through a special arrangement with Berkshire North WIC, pregnant women are eligible to receive individualized health education and pregnancy support.
OBS services are covered by most major insurers. There is no out of pocket cost for families to participate in the program. However, families must be referred by their primary care provider to initiate services. OBS has an outstanding relationship with a community network of over 50 primary care providers including pediatric /adolescent practices, family practitioners, and OB/GYN providers. In addition, Operation Better Start has an extensive network of linkages to specialists throughout Western Massachusetts.
Western Mass Growth & Nutrition Program
Serving infants and children up to age 7, this program is provided through Operation Better Start with support from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The goal is to ensure that your child is healthy, well nourished and growing to his or her potential. To learn more, read our brochure.
Location:
BMC Hillcrest Campus
510 North St., Suite 6, Lower Level
Pittsfield , MA 01201
413-445-9243
Email: cmarchetto@bhs1.org
Healthy Cooking
Operation Better Start, the Pittsfield Public Schools, Pittsfield YMCA and Pittsfield Community Television are collaborating on a program to bring health and nutrition education to Pittsfield school children. Here are several videos produced as part of this effort, with cooking demonstrations performed in the schools.
© 2021 Berkshire Health Systems
725 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
