Mobile Health Offers 2nd Dose of Updated Covid Vaccine to Seniors
CHP Mobile Health is now offering the second updated Covid-19 vaccine to adults 65 and older, and to people of all ages with compromised immune systems. Vaccines are available with the CHP Mobile Health teams whenever they are on the road. The schedule can be found at...CHP Berkshire Pediatrics Wins MHQP Patient Experience Award
CHP Berkshire Pediatrics has received recognition from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being one of the top practices in Massachusetts, based on patient experiences in primary care. The MHQP Patient Experience Awards is an annual awards program...Happy Valentine’s Day: Love Your Heart
It’s National Heart Month, so now is a good time to give some TLC to your body’s most important muscle. Prevention is always the first step in keeping your heart healthy, but you can also make changes to address any existing heart conditions.
CHP Board Welcomes Rachel Melendez-Mabee
Rachel Melendez-Mabee has been named to the board of CHP Berkshires. She is vice president of culture and brand and DEI officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union, and brings to the CHP board her skills in workplace diversity, training and initiatives. Previously, she...Online Event: Size-Inclusive Care: Better Healthcare for All Bodies, 2/29
CHP Berkshires hosts an online talk, “Size-Inclusive Care: Better Health for All Bodies,” on Thursday, Feb. 29, from noon to 1 p.m. Register in advance for the Zoom event HERE. The talk, free and open to the public, will address how weight stigma bias can show up in...Sober Curious? Join CHP and Rural Recovery on Jan. 3, In-Person or Via Zoom
Our event on January 3, 2024, was a great success!To view/download the event presentation, click here. For people considering quitting or cutting back their alcohol use in the New Year, Rural Recovery and CHP Berkshires are hosting a Jan. 3 hybrid event, “Sober...CHP Welcomes New Clinicians
CHP Berkshires has expanded its clinical team with the addition of new providers in Pittsfield and Lee and on the CHP Mobile Health team. Marina Hoag, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, family nurse practitioner, has joined the primary care team at CHP Neighborhood Health Center in...Ask for Narcan Kits at CHP
With a Narcan kit on hand, anyone can intervene to help in an opioid emergency. To help reduce harm from opioid overdose in our community, CHP is offering free Narcan kits to patients who request them.
NBT Bank Contributes $75,000 to CHP
During a visit on October 30, Andreas Kapetanopoulos, NBT Connecticut regional president, Amanda Goewey, VP, multi-site branch manager, and Aidan Gilligan, VP, commercial banking/relationship manager, met with CHP leadership to underscore the bank’s commitment to local organizations serving the Berkshire community.
Together is Better! Group Medical Visits Enhance Patient Support
CHP primary care clinicians Lisa Nelson, MD, and Laura Gariepy, FNP CHP is growing its Group Medical programs! Led weekly by our primary care clinicians and community partners, Group Medical Visits gather together CHP patients (and others) with common health...Creating Opportunities for Early Childhood Development
Jeanne Bassis has built a career helping children and adults experience play, an essential ingredient for a healthy life. Each week, Jeanne brings lightly structured and free play to two CHP playgroups.
Greeting and Meeting People Like You
As summer turns to fall and the air grows crisp, I’m grateful each day to be settling into my new home here in the Berkshires. My early weeks at CHP have been spent meeting our team, community leaders, and members and learning about all that makes CHP special.
Reaching More People; Providing Great Care
With a newly improved Lee Family Practice site and dental practice locations set to open in 2024, CHP is making strides to fill gaps in our region’s health care.
A Prescription for Good Health
CHP Partners with local farms to distribute nutritious food. If nutrition is the doorway to better health, access to healthy food is the first step inside. Our Family Services and Nutrition teams are at the forefront of food security and healthy nutrition. Through...Open Enrollment: With New Income Guidelines, More Residents Eligible for Subsidized Insurance
With Open Enrollment for MA Health Connector insurance beginning November 1, the CHP insurance enrollment team is preparing to assist many more area residents who will now qualify for subsidized insurance plans. The income limit for Health Connector plans has risen to...Updated Covid-19 Vaccines Are Coming to CHP; Mobile Flu Clinics are Well Under Way
Large pharmacy chains are priority destinations for updated COVID-19 vaccines; smaller pharmacies and medical practices are next in line. With a second mobile medical van now on the road, CHP Berkshires’ mobile health teams are preparing to reach more Berkshire...Lee Family Practice Celebrates More Primary Care Capacity
A $1 million reconstruction of CHP Lee Family Practice has cleared the way for the gradual addition of primary care patients in the coming years. The renovation added new exam and consult rooms and improved workflow, allowing CHP staff to see more patients. Over time,...CHP Supports the Elizabeth Freeman Center Rise Up Campaign
A letter the editor from CHP Berkshires Associate Medical Director Dawn Kohanski, FNP, appeared in The Berkshire Eagle and other area publications in support of the Elizabeth Freeman Center’s work on behalf of survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and...CHP Names Employee of the Year
Carol Pirog, CHP Human Resources Assistant, has been named CHP Berkshires’ Employee of the Year. The designation comes with a $2,000 award and recognition from the CHP community for her professional excellence. Nominations from colleagues note Carol’s...In the News: CEO Bethany Kieley On WAMC Public Radio
CEO Bethany Kieley had a wide-ranging conversation with Josh Landes of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, on her her role at CHP Berkshires, the importance of mobile health in caring for our community, and CHP’s overall approach to health and wellness beyond the exam...CHP Expands Mobile Health Fleet to Reach More Berkshire Residents
The CHP Berkshires Mobile Health Team is bringing more health care and food security into the Berkshires with the addition of two new mobile health vehicles. A third, a mobile dental clinic, is on the way. These new rolling healthcare vehicles and their clinical staff...CHP Welcomes Bethany Kieley as CEO
Community Health Programs Inc. has named Bethany Kieley as its new CEO. She joined the countywide healthcare network effective July 17. Kieley was most recently chief operations officer at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, a federally qualified health center serving...Dr. Jonna Gaberman Named Director of Adult Medicine
Dr. Jonna Gaberman has joined CHP Berkshires as director of adult medicine. She will also provide adult primary care at CHP Neighborhood Health Center Pittsfield. She brings extensive experience in community health care, population health, outpatient internal...CHP Supports Legislation Creating Mid-Level Dental Practitioners
Legislation to improve access to dental care across the state is pending in Boston, and CHP Berkshires has weighed in with its support for the creation of mid-level dental practitioners. CHP has met with our state legislative delegation and delivered letters to...CHP Mobile Health Team Honored by Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
CHP was among more than 130 statewide nominees for the 2023 awards, presented to organizations and employees that exemplify the most innovative, creative, and effective work being done throughout the Commonwealth.
CHP Berkshires Names New CEO to Healthcare Network
Community Health Programs has named Bethany Kieley as its new chief executive officer, effective July 17, 2023. She will oversee the countywide healthcare network caring for more than 30,000 patients in the region. Kieley is currently the chief operations officer at...CHP Expands Primary Care Teams in North Adams, Lee
CHP Berkshires has expanded its primary care practice with new clinicians at practice locations in North Adams and Lee. Michelle M. Bedard, an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, has joined the primary care team at CHP North Adams Family Medical, where...For Families: A CHP Spring Resource Fair, with Wingmasters Birds of Prey Demonstration
CHP Family Services will host its Spring Fling resource fair on Saturday, June 3, showcasing family-focused activities, organizations, and programs in the area. The free event, including an education program by Wingmasters—Birds of Prey, is 11 AM-1 PM at 444...CHP Mobile Health: New Boosters for Adults 65+ and Young Children
For the youngest children and older adults, CHP Mobile Health has newly approved COVID-19 booster shots. For adults 65 and older, CHP’s Mobile Health team provides CDC-approved boosters at least four months after the first booster was received. Most people with...Open Door Project Streamlines Health Care and Support for Sexual and Domestic Abuse Victims
Some victims of abuse may find it safer and easier to ask for help during a medical visit. Now, CHP Berkshires can connect these patients to domestic and sexual assault experts seamlessly.
CHP Names Senior VP for Operations
Tom Duchesne joins CHP Berkshires as senior vice president of operations, after most recently working for CVS Health in Rhode Island and at hospitals in Rhode Island.
Berkshire Food Safety Net Grows With Two Grants
In rural and under-served corners of the Berkshires, getting fresh local food onto the family tables can be a challenge. Now, two government grants totaling more than $1.4 million are breaking through barriers to rural food access and affordability. Berkshire...Starting 4/1/23, MassHealth Customers Must Re-enroll to Keep Benefits
MassHealth customers must re-enroll starting April 1, 2023, in order to keep their health benefits.
Beyond Delivery: A Weekly Support Group for New Moms and Babies
CHP Barrington OB/GYN offers “Beyond Delivery,” a weekly group for postpartum support and, if needed, medical care. We welcome parents, children of all ages (this includes siblings), and those who are pregnant (come get ready for baby with us)! [Read about...Women in Leadership: Special Needs Family Advocate Named Named ‘Rising Star’
Rania Markham, CHP Family Services care coordinator and a passionate advocate for families of children with disabilities, has been named a “Rising Star” by the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership Award. Markham was among 111 women nominated...Nutritionist Joins CHP Berkshires
CHP Berkshires welcomes to its nutrition team Michelle R. Sisk, RDN, LDN, CDN. In her new role, Sisk will work primarily as a culinary nutritionist with the CHP Nutrition Club, which provides nutrition services to patients of Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (MassHealth). She will counsel patients mainly through telehealth and will also lead culinary nutrition and education programs.
CHP Mobile Health: Offering Workplace Visits for Boosters & Vaccines
Schedule Your CHP Mobile Health Workplace Visit! CHP Mobile Health now offers workplace visits for employers interested in promoting Covid-19 boosters and vaccines. CHP Mobile Health services also include routine health screenings, blood pressure checks, and minor...Special Kids, Special Diet: A Virtual Nutrition Talk
CHP Family Services and the CHP Nutrition team will host “Special Kids, Special Diet: A Virtual Workshop to Explore Ideas and Speak with a Nutrition Team” on Thursday, January 26. Noon-1:30 PM | Zoom | Registration is required. Register for the...WEBINAR: Sober Curious? Rethinking Drinking, Building Healthier Habits
CHP and Rural Recovery present “Sober Curious? Rethinking Drinking, Building Healthier Habits,” a free, online conversation for anyone interested in curbing, quitting, or better understanding their own alcohol use. Watch the Webinar with Passcode ^Yfv7EEB...In the News: Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Breaks New Ground
CHP’s new family nurse practitioner (FNP) residency program is breaking new ground in the field of advanced nursing practice. About half of CHP’s clinicians throughout Berkshire County are nurse practitioners who are playing a growing role in primary care...IEP 101: Online Workshop for Parents of School Children with Disabilities
CHP Family Services hosts IEP: 101, an online workshop and orientation program for parents of public school children who are entitled to special needs education services, on Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. The meeting will be hosted by Rania Markham and Melanie Wickwire of CHP...CHP Offering Bivalent Vaccines to Youngest Children
Community Health Programs is offering the updated bivalent Covid-19 vaccines to young children aged 6 months through age 4, now that the CDC has approved dosages for this age group. “We strongly urge parents to have their young children vaccinated to help prevent or...BHS and CHP Urge Parents to Protect Children from RSV Virus and Other Respiratory Illnesses
Berkshire Health Systems and Community Health Programs strongly urge parents to take preventive measures to protect their children against seasonal respiratory illnesses, particularly the surging respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With flu season emerging and...CHP Names Two Associate Medical Directors
Dawn Kohanski, FNP-BC, of CHP North Adams Family Medical, and Laura Need, MD, of CHP Berkshire Pediatrics, have joined Andrew Beckwith, CMO, to comprise the newly reorganized medical leadership at the countywide health care network. Ms. Kohanski is a seasoned nurse...CHP Names Dr. Andrew Beckwith as Chief Medical Officer
Andrew Beckwith, M.D., has been named chief medical officer (CMO) at Community Health Programs. Dr. Beckwith, who is an obstetrician-gynecologist at CHP Barrington OB/GYN, will continue seeing patients while overseeing the CHP medical staff throughout Berkshire...Making a Difference: Care Coordinator Kornelia Krzyzanowska
At CHP, sometimes, our work isn’t done when the exam is over. Some patients need extra support to achieve better health and wellness. As Care Coordinator at CHP Great Barrington Health Center, Kornelia Krzyzanowska, RN, BSN, is focused on making sure children in...Donor Spotlight: Matt and Missy Scarafoni
When Matt and Missy Scarafoni consider their community giving, they ask, “What organizations make a wide impact on our Berkshire community? Who is leveling the playing field between those who have more and those who have less?” CHP is on their “A list.” “A lot of...Mission Moment: Families Like Ours
By: Rania Markham When my kids were 18 months and three months old, our family signed up for CHP ParentChild+, a home mentoring program for families with young children soon heading to preschool or kindergarten. Each week, a family mentor came to our home to...A Message from Interim CEO, Rick Gregg: Bringing a Unique Perspective to CHP
When I was asked in June to become the interim CEO of Community Health Programs, I believed I might bring a unique perspective to overseeing the CHP healthcare networks and family services. As a patient of Lee Family Practice for more than 25 years, I’ve benefitted...CHP’s New Family Nurse Practitioner Residency Program Tracks a Growing Trend in Advanced Nursing Practice
Community Health Programs is now home to a new family nurse practitioner (FNP) residency program, an intensive year-long experience that formalizes post-graduate clinical opportunities for advanced practice nursing graduates. The FNP residency is funded in part by a...CHP Family Services Welcomes Author Kate Swenson for 12/7/22 Virtual Event, ‘The Secret World of Autism’
CHP Family Services will welcome author Kate Swenson for a virtual event, ‘The Secret World of Autism,’ on Wednesday, December 7 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. [ Click here to watch a video of this event. ] Parent and advocate Kate Swenson, author of the 2022 book...Family Nurse Practitioner Joins North Adams Family Medicine
Dawn Kohanski, family nurse practitioner, has joined the primary care team at CHP North Adams Family Medicine. Most recently, she was a hospitalist practitioner at Berkshire Medical Center, where she coordinated adult acute care in the hospital setting. She also...CHP Mobile Health Team Welcomes New Nurse Practitioner
Sophie Jannen, family nurse practitioner, has joined the CHP Mobile Health Unit team. Most recently, Jannen worked as a family nurse practitioner at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Express Care. As a registered nurse, she also worked at the Berkshire Medical...CHP Health Insurance Team is Accepting Appointments for Open Enrollment Assistance
It’s time to renew health insurance coverage for 2023, and the Community Health Programs insurance team is available to help Berkshire region residents with updating their MA Health Connector insurance plan. The Open Enrollment period runs from Nov. 1,...Functional Medicine Physician Joins CHP in Great Barrington
Cornelia F. Lenherr, M.D., has joined the CHP Health Center in Great Barrington as a family medicine physician. With a certification in functional medicine, Lenherr most recently worked at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, where her patient care incorporated medicine, nutrition,...RSV in Young Children: Tips, Info and Prevention for Parents and Caregivers
With cases of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection) on the rise here and elsewhere, CHP Berkshire Pediatrics offers some tips and advice for parents and caregivers of young children who may catch this particular cold.
Community Health Programs Names Thomas Walbridge as Executive Vice President. Walbridge to Continue as Chief Financial Officer.
Thomas Walbridge, Executive Vice President and CFO of CHP. Community Health Programs has named Thomas Walbridge as executive vice president of the countywide healthcare network. Walbridge will also continue in his role as chief financial officer. Walbridge...BookMarc Creative of Pittsfield Wins National Award for Community Health Programs’ New Website
Community Health Programs’ new website, chpberkshires.org, has won an award in the GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards competition in the health and wellness design category.
Lee Family Practice Under Construction Sept. 28-Oct. 11
Construction to expand and improve the Lee Family Practice facility will require temporary closure of the practice, Sept. 27-Oct. 11. During this time, the office will be closed for patient visits, but staff will continue to care for patients in the CHP Mobile Health...CHP Names Nutritionist Devyn Renzi to Care Team
Devyn Renzi—the newest member of CHP’s nutrition team. Devyn Renzi, CNS, LDN, has joined the CHP nutrition team and is now seeing patients at CHP practices in CHP Neighborhood Center, Lee Family Practice, and Barrington OB/GYN. She is also available via...CHP Annual Board Reorganization
The CHP Board welcomes new member Erik Bruun, elects Brian Drake as board president and Celia Clancy as vice president in the annual board reorganization.
Children’s Attic is Back! Consignment Sale runs September 10 & 11
After a 3-year hiatus, Berkshire County’s original tent sale of children’s clothing and accessories is back! The Children’s Attic Consignment Sale returns Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, and sellers are invited to sign up to participate. “Now is the time to sign...IEP Training 101: CHP Hosts Online 8/10 Training for Parents of Special Needs Children
Special education planning may be confusing or overwhelming for parents of public school children with special needs. To help these parents, CHP Family Services offers a free online workshop, “IEP Training 101,” on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 PM. To...CHP Rolling Out Covid Vaccines for Young Children
Community Health Programs is now offering Covid-19 pediatric vaccines for children between 6 months through age 4. These vaccines have been clinically tested and approved for use in young children to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from Covid-19. Full...@CHPSmile: GB Family Dental Temporarily Relocating Some Appointments
Thursday and Friday appointments temporarily relocating to Pittsfield. As part of CHP’s dental expansion project, CHP Great Barrington Family Dental Center is being temporarily reconfigured, and some patients’ appointments will be impacted. As of July 1, the...CEO Lia Spiliotes Stepping Down After 7 Years Growing CHP
Community Health Programs CEO Lia Spiliotes, who has led CHP since 2015 in its doubling of CHP patient numbers and expansion of health and family services in the Berkshires, has announced she is stepping down from CHP. In a statement to staff and colleagues, Spiliotes said she intends to refocus on family health priorities in Boston and New York. She stated she is also turning her professional attention to broader advocacy efforts around public and economic policy related to community health. […]