North Adams Distributes COVID-19 Rapid Tests to Partners

02:29PM / Wednesday, December 22, 2021Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city's allotment of free COVID-19 rapid tests are available are now available through several partner organizations.

North Adams received about 4,500 tests through the state's rapid test access program. Gov. Charlie Baker announced last week that 2.1 million iHealth Labs over-the-counter, at-home rapid antigen tests would be distributed to 102 communities with the highest percentage of families below the poverty level.

North Adams was among those municipalities selected along with Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, Great Barrington, Hinsdale, Mount Washington, Peru, Pittsfield, Savoy, West Stockbridge and Williamstown.

These free tests are available for distribution to the public by each municipality, with an emphasis on increasing access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship.

The North Adams Health Department has provided test kits to the following organizations and sites to distribute to qualified patrons:

North Adams Council on Aging/Mary Spitzer Senior Center
North Adams Housing Authority
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC)
Flood House

Tests also are available for the residents of the following housing sites through their respective management offices:

Brayton Hill
Holy Family Terrace
Mohawk Forest
St. Joseph's Court
Rock Manor/Willow Lane
Tunnel Brook
Wheel Estates

The test kits contain two tests and are limited to one per household. The individual obtaining the tests will have to sign for them at their prospective distribution site.

COVID-19 rapid tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, that can protect individuals by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. The Board of Health and Mayor Thomas Bernard strongly recommend that all community members continue to follow evidence-based mitigation strategies and public health guidance to limit the risk of infection and community spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants.

This guidance includes following local and state mask advisories, practicing physical distancing, limiting gatherings, staying home and avoiding close contact if you are sick, following isolation and quarantine directions from your health-care provider, and getting your COVID-19 vaccination and booster.

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports09:16AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

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