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Gathering for Those Who Have Experienced Loss

North Adams, MA -The Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to a holiday gathering on Monday, December 14, from 6 -8 pm.

REACH Promotes Great American Smokeout November 19

North Adams, MA - REACH for Community Health will promote the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 19, to encourage smokers to kick the habit.

In support of the American Cancer Society’s efforts throughout the country on the Smokeout, REACH will offer support to the north Berkshire community as well. Jennifer Civello, tobacco treatment program coordinator at REACH for Community Health at North Adams Regional Hospital, will be in the main lobby at the North Adams Regional Hospital on Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon. She will offer information on getting through the day without smoking, provide gum and candies to assist, and offer information on supportive counseling options offered through REACH.

“Current data from the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program reports that 26% of adults in North Adams are smokers, compared to 16% statewide,” said Civello. “Clearly there is still a great need in the area to reduce smoking rates. However, the health risks, financial burden, and social stigma attached to smoking are often still not enough to help smokers kick the habit,” she added. “Difficult times are often perceived as the wrong times to try quitting; there is never an easy time, but it’s often helpful if you have a concrete date. The Great American Smokeout provides smokers with just that.”

Information: (413) 664-5567 or www.nbhealth.org

Donations Sought for Annual Holiday Gift Bags for Mental Health Critical Care Units at Local Hospitals

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Berkshire County invites its members and the community to participate in our annual holiday collection and distribution of gift bags to the patients in the hospital psychiatric wards at Berkshire Medical Center and at North Adams Regional Hospital. "The holiday season can be a time to acknowledge all that is positive in our lives and to focus on others who may not be so fortunate", said, Marsha Burniske, chairperson.

NAMI-BC will be collecting clothing donations, filling holiday bags and looking for new ideas for items that would be appreciated by both patients and staff.  We invite you to drop off new or used clothing in good condition; the larger sizes are most needed-- from coats and active wear, such as, sweatpants and sweatshirts, to undergarments. Other items that could be well used are magazine or newspaper subscriptions, movies, books, writing pads and small things that will fit into holiday gifts bags such as note paper, pens, socks, flip-flops, playing cards, games, hats, gloves, travel size shampoo and conditioner, soaps, nail polish, candy and pocket calendars.

If anyone is interested in volunteering to pack these gift bags or to transport everything to the hospitals, please call the NAMI-BC office  at  (413) 443-1666.  As always, monetary donations are gratefully accepted and checks can be made out to NAMI-BC. This year, items can be dropped off at the NAMI-BC office during their regular hours which are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., State Building, 4th Floor, 133 East St., (across from Pittsfield High School),  Pittsfield, MA 01201; or in Williamstown at the First Congregational Church, office of the secretary, Gail Burns, 906 Main Street; please use the entrance off Chapin Drive, during regular office hours which are  Monday-Friday from 9:00-3:30, or Sunday during worship.

REACH Community Wellness Screening November 12

North Adams, MA - REACH for Community Health will sponsor a free wellness screening for community residents on Thursday, November 12, from 9-12 pm at Stop and Shop supermarket, 876 State Road. To pre-register, call 413.664.5326.

Flu Information Session October 29 at NAPL

North Adams, MA - The North Adams Public Library and Northern Berkshire Health Care host an informational session on seasonal and H1N1 flu on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm at the library, 74 Church Street. Call 413.662.3133 for information.

NARH Medical Imaging Open House October 21

North Adams, MA - North Adams Regional Hospital's Medical Imaging Department will hold an open house on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 7 pm at the hospital's new digital mammography suite. Call Paul Hopkins at 413.664.5142 for information.

Olver to Report on Health Care Reform at NBCC Forum October 9

North Adams, MA - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition hosts the public and US Congressman John Olver on Friday, October 9, beginning at 10 am as he reports on the progress of health care reform. The forum takes place at the First Baptist Church, Eagle Street entrance. All are invited. Call 413.663.7588.

Dinner to Benefit Cancer Victim September 26

North Adams, MA - A benefit roast beef dinner for Tammy Moon, who has been stricken with breast cancer, will be held Saturday, September 26, from 4-8 pm at the North Adams American Legion. It will be catered by Dave Lewis. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children under twelve years of age. Tickets are available at the door or call 413-664.6617.

NARH Seeks Volunteers for August 4 Drill

North Adams, MA - North Adams Regional Hospital will be conducting a drill on Tuesday, August 4 and is looking for community members who would like to participate and use some of their acting skills. The time commitment would be about 3 hours between 1-3 pm. For more information, please call Sharon Leary at 413.664.5404.

 

How to Make your Baby's Nursery or Child's Room Healthy and "Green"

North Adams, MA - How to Make your Baby's Nursery or Child's Room Healthy and "Green" - a free workshop presented by Sarah Currie Harding will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 30 at Shima Boutique located at 105 Main Street in North Adams. All attendees will be entered to win an organic fleece baby blanket. Refreshments will also be available. Anyone interested in attending the free event can pre-register by calling Shima at 413.346.1055 or by emailing the boutique at shima@shimaboutique.com