Latinas413 Receives First Grant For Operations

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — The Women's Fund of Western Mass has granted Latinas413 $24,800 for general operating support through 2025.
 
A fiscally-sponsored project of Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Latinas413 will use the funds to expand their core mentorship program that connects Latinas to local resources, financial education, career opportunities, arts & culture, and outdoor recreation.
 
"Latinas are a vital part of our community, yet they face unique challenges in terms of representation and support," said Liliana Atanacio, a founding member of the group. 
 
Latinas413 was founded in 2020 with the goal of connecting, supporting and collaborating with Latinas in Berkshire County. Now 300 members strong, the mission of the organization is to ignite the collective power of Latinas to expand their social and economic capital, access local resources, and increase the representation of their voices, talents and interests.
 
Latinas413 also provides scholarships and other opportunities for Latinas to pursue higher education and achieve their career goals. By investing in education, Latinas413 helps to create a more equitable and diverse workforce. 
 
The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) awarded $208,900 in grants to 21 organizations that serve women and girls in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. With a commitment to nurturing a thriving, diverse, and inclusive women and girl-serving nonprofit community, WFWM continues fueling progress for gender and racial equity in our region.

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Fairview Lab Draw Station Moves to New Location

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that the Laboratory blood draw station at Fairview Hospital, called the Laboratory Patient Service Center (PSC), has been moved to the ground floor of the hospital.
 
The relocation to the former medical records space puts the PSC closer to the main entrance of the hospital.
 
The new area is designed to enhance patient privacy and patient comfort, according to Kathy Lavinio, outreach manager for Laboratory Services at BHS. 
 
"Located in the area that was previously Medical Records, patients no longer navigate an elevator and wait in the hallway for service. Now patients arrive at a waiting area that is spacious and light and receive care in one of two private bays," said Lavinio.
 
The project took over a year to complete, from planning and relocation of medical records to design and renovation, in compliance with regulatory standards. The PSC opened on April 29, 2024, ahead of schedule, thanks to teamwork and collaboration of the project leaders, noted Lavinio.
 
Mark Robert, administrative director of the BHS Laboratories, which oversees seven PSC's throughout Berkshire County, said, "This renovation and relocation is part of Berkshire Health Systems integrated care model, providing outstanding PSC standards at all of our locations across the system."
 
Patient response to the relocation has been very positive, with patients citing easier access for their blood draws.
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