Construct's 'Warm Up the Winter' Campaign Nears Fundraising Goal

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Construct's "Warm Up the Winter" campaign has raised $121,000 of its $150,000 goal as of March 31, aimed at assisting low-income residents in southern Berkshire County with winter heating expenses.
 
The funds are used to provide heating assistance, including for oil, gas, electricity, and firewood, and to offer emergency motel stays and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
 
Jane Ralph, Executive Director of Construct, stated that the campaign assisted 71 individuals and over 200 families in the previous year.
 
Donations can be made online at constructberkshires.org, by phone at 413-528-1985, or by check mailed to Construct at 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
 
Emergency winter assistance is available by contacting Construct directly at 413-528-1985.
 
The campaign is supported by sponsors including the Schnesel Family Fund, Gilson Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Barbara and Roger Manring, Marash Family Foundation, Elizabeth and Thomas Marino, Greylock Federal Credit Union, NBT Bank, Webster Landscape, Tristan Osgood Warm Up the Winter for People Fund, Edith Cooper, Richard Glaser, John and Nina Lipkowitz, William and Hinda Bodinger, Lee Bank, Sara Koffman, and Stephen and Andrea White.
 
Construct, a nonprofit organization, provides affordable housing and support services in southern Berkshire County.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Fairview Hospital Recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Fairview Hospital has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the 13th straight year Fairview has been so honored. 
 
Chartis' annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation's rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.
 
"The South Berkshire community expects and relies on only the highest level of care from our caregivers and staff at Fairview Hospital," said Tony Scibelli, BHS Vice President and Fairview Chief Operating Officer. "This ongoing recognition epitomizes the commitment our staff makes each and every day for each and every patient who walks through Fairview's doors."
 
"The Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals award program elevates the very best performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve," said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "This is our 15th year recognizing the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals and we're thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year's winners."
 
According to a press release, the INDEX is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
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