Healing: Mass Appeal

The Berkshires are universally known for being a hub of cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. As we all experience, from Tanglewood to Mount Greylock, Berkshire County nurtures some of the most inspiring sights and artistic opportunities in the US. Leading the charge in nurturing residents and visitors alike is Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), which is currently investing in the next generation of caretakers.

To care for people in rural areas, healthcare providers need to think big and start local. That means not only running good clinics and hospitals nearby but also working closely with the community on programs that make life better—like supporting local jobs, health education and other services people need to stay healthy.

Thanks to thoughtful investments, BHS believes it’s uniquely situated to serve the Berkshire County region, today and for generations to come. With more than 4,000 employees across three hospitals and numerous provider practices, BHS provides comprehensive healthcare services across rural Berkshire County and neighboring southwestern Vermont and Upstate New York.

“Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, North Adams Regional Hospital in North Adams and outpatient practices and community health services across the region work together to provide a level of care and services often thought to be limited to larger communities including primary, emergency and urgent care to specialties such as neurosurgery, orthopedics, endocrinology, cancer care and many others—all without having to leave the Berkshires.” says BHS President and Chief Executive Officer Darlene Rodowicz.

Each facility and department within BHS plays a unique and equally essential role in this integrated system. As BHS’s flagship hospital, Berkshire Medical Center (BMC), a Level III Trauma Center, maintains major clinical partnerships with Baystate Health, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Brigham. BMC is also a teaching hospital with residency programs specializing in internal medicine, surgery and psychiatry, through partnerships with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Fairview Hospital and North Adams Regional Hospital, the system’s Critical Access Hospitals, serve the needs of the North and South County communities—keeping care local whenever possible and seamlessly transporting patients to BMC if a more advanced level of care is needed.

Across its facilities, BHS delivers exceptional care that’s earned national recognition, including BMC’s Leapfrog Grade ‘A’ for Patient Safety, ‘Get With The Guidelines’ awards from the American Heart Association and Fairview Hospital’s Healthgrades status for Outstanding Patient Experience (13 years running), among others.

But BHS’s commitment to the region extends far beyond its clinical walls. As Berkshire County’s largest employer, BHS embraces the responsibility of creating career opportunities and addressing local workforce shortages in healthcare.

In recent years, BHS has invested in a variety of innovative Career Pathways Programs, which reduce barriers and provide opportunities for those who previously may not have been able to enter the healthcare workforce. Designed to fill in-demand roles across the system, BHS Pathways Programs offer paid training opportunities for residents to learn valuable skills, earn certifications and progress toward a career at BHS.

“Four years after establishing our Career Pathways Program, we’re seeing the results of this investment pay off, with additional employees delivering care and our staff feeling more supported,” Rodowicz says. “Beyond growing our system’s workforce, the program represents a major investment in creating more jobs and training opportunities for our region, ultimately bolstering our economy.”

This investment in talent through the Career Pathways Programs is one way that BHS brings to life its vision to be the region’s trusted healthcare partner and community advocate for improving overall quality of life.

An anchor of the community, BHS looks beyond the care it provides in its facilities to work with groups across Berkshire County to address the social factors that may prevent residents from living healthy lives. Whether it’s food security, housing access or preventive education, BHS is committed to removing the barriers that stand between residents and long-term health.

“Berkshire County is a unique place, with a small-town feel,” Rodowicz says. “We truly are caring for our own families, friends and neighbors—a profound honor and responsibility. Every day, our team comes to work united under the common mission of advancing health and wellness for everyone in our community.”