GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The CHP Berkshires Mobile Health Team is bringing more health care and food security to Berkshires with the addition of two new mobile health vehicles.
A third, a mobile dental clinic, is on the way.
These new rolling health care vehicles and their clinical staff were introduced on Thursday, Aug. 10, 5-7 p.m., at the Southern Berkshire Chamber After Hours Event at Crissey Farm, hosted by CHP Berkshires. Guests toured the vans, talked with staff, and learned about the importance of mobile health.
This year, CHP's old 2002 mobile health van was finally retired. In 2019, CHP partnered with Berkshire-Fallon (the Berkshires' MassHealth program) to bring a large mobile health van.
These additional new vehicles are owned by CHP, and they are smaller and more agile for out-of-the-way destinations and winter roads.
CHP's mobile health units are among 5,000 on the road throughout the U.S. CHP has been on the road since 1975 caring for adults and children in more remote regions of the Berkshires. In the spring, CHP's Mobile Health team received a leadership award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Association.
The three new mobile units were funded with federal and state grants; the new "mobile farm stand" van operates in partnership with Berkshire Bounty, the state Department of Agriculture and MassHealth.
"Our Mobile Health units are essentially one of CHP's many practice locations – but they go places where people work, play and gather," said Michelle Derr, CHP's senior VP of Family Services and Mobile Health. "The logistics are complex, but we have just the right mix of staff to make an impact on wheels."
For this program, MassHealth pays Berkshire region farmers to grow food; CHP collects and delivers the bounty each week to its five practice lobbies between North Adams and Great Barrington. Patients are free to grab a bag of fresh food, no questions asked, when they show up for a medical or dental appointment.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, CHP's mobile health operation was on the road continuously with vaccines, boosters and other health services. This work of providing vaccines, boosters and other preventive care will carry on, along with minor sick visits.
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Nonprofit Center Recognizes Community Leaders and Volunteers
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
More than 200 people attended the award ceremony at Kripalu. Some 62 nominations were submitted in seven categories. See more photos here.
STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — More than 200 people gathered at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health on Tuesday morning to recognize individuals who better the community through non-profit organizations.
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires honored seven individuals who have gone above and beyond in their work: Jess Vecchia, Kate Barton, Jude Wesselman, Noelia Salinetti, Brenda Petell, Karen Richards, and Chris Melski.
For the second year in a row, Kids 4 Harmony performed during the the ceremony. The chamber players, who are the most advanced students in the program, performed two pieces of which one was composed by a student.
A panel of 21 judges from schools, businesses, and nonprofits combed through 62 nominations for the annual awards. They were solicited in seven categories: Executive Leadership, Board Leadership, Volunteer, Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership, Rock Star, Unsung Hero, and Lifetime Achievement.
The morning was described as the "Oscars for the Nonprofits." During the ceremony, NPC founder Liana Toscanini and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier helped distribute the awards, House and Senate citations, and front newspaper pages made by NPC partner The Berkshire Eagle.
Also recognized was longtime state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, who is leaving his seat after 11 terms.
Although unable to attend the ceremony, Attorney General Andrea Campbell thanked the award recipients for the work they do in a video clip.
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires honored seven individuals who have gone above and beyond in their work: Jess Vecchia, Kate Barton, Jude Wesselman, Noelia Salinetti, Brenda Petell, Karen Richards, and Chris Melski.
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