Destination Better Health 2026
Inspiring your journey to better health.
Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Health Systems’ nationally recognized critical access hospital, hosts Destination Better Health each year—offering free health education, programs, and resources to the community. The program is designed to raise awareness by providing education and introducing topics of high interest and importance to local residents.
At Berkshire Health Systems, we believe that health is not a destination you arrive at — it’s a journey you walk every day, and every step matters. Our Destination to Better Health summer series brings neighbors together for free, expert-led conversations about the health topics that matter most to our community. No medical background required — just curiosity, community, and a commitment to living well. Join us this summer and take your next step forward.
The Aging Shoulder
Wednesday, July 8 at 4:30pm
Pier Boutin, MD Fairview Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center
That nagging ache in your shoulder may be more common than you think — and more treatable than you fear. Join our orthopedic experts as they walk through why the shoulder becomes more vulnerable with age, what symptoms to watch for, and the full range of options available, from simple exercises to surgical solutions.
Optimizing Your Heart Health
Wednesday, July 15 at 4:30pm
Ellen Hamm, RN, BSN Fairview Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation
Your heart works for you every second of every day — this session is your chance to return the favor. Learn what the latest science says about blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle habits, and emerging risk factors, and walk away with a practical, personalized plan to protect the engine that keeps you going.
Longevity is a Daily Routine
Wednesday, July 22 at 4:30pm
Maureen Logan, M.Ed Director of Community Wellness
Living longer isn’t just about luck — it’s about the small decisions you make before breakfast. This session explores the daily habits, sleep patterns, movement practices, and mindset shifts that research consistently links to a longer, healthier life.
When Illness Isn’t Going Away: How to Change Your Framework
Wednesday, July 29 at 4:30pm
Chris Clark, MD, Chief Hospitalist at Fairview Hospital Palliative Care Project Lead, Berkshire Health Systems
A chronic diagnosis can feel like a door closing, but it doesn’t have to. This honest, compassionate session helps patients and caregivers to reframe living with chronic illness — shifting from surviving to thriving within a new normal.
Introducing Robotic Surgery at Fairview: What It Means to Our Patients
Wednesday, August 5 at 4:30pm
Mark Taylor, MD Fairview Surgical Services
Fairview is proud to bring the precision of robotic-assisted surgery to our community — and we want you to understand exactly what that means to you. Our surgeons will demystify the technology, explain which procedures it’s used for, and share how it translates to smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better outcomes.
In a World of Diets, Choosing What’s Best for You
Wednesday, August 12 at 4:30pm
Robert Hoechster, RD, LDN
Sheila Rivera RD, LDN Fairview Hospital Nutrition Services
Keto, Mediterranean, plant-based, intermittent fasting — the options are endless, and the noise is loud. This session cuts through the confusion with evidence-based guidance to help you understand your own body’s needs and find an approach to eating that’s sustainable, satisfying, and genuinely good for you.
All programs are FREE and take place at 4:30pm in the Ground Floor Conference Room at Fairview Hospital, 29 Lewis Avenue, Great Barrington.
Register Here or by calling 413-854-9609
