Second Community COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic Scheduled

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative has scheduled another community COVID-19 vaccine clinic, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Berkshire Community College Patterson Field House. 
 
The clinic will provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, including first or second doses for those 5 to 11, Pfizer boosters for those 16 to 17, and first, second or booster doses to eligible adults. The booster helps to prevent contracting COVID-19 or prevents serious illness in those with breakthrough cases of the virus.
 
Pre-registration is required for this vaccine clinic and can be done by visiting www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org.
 
"The Omicron variant is now spreading rapidly across the state and country, and booster vaccination is the best tool to avoid infection, or if infected, to reduce the severity of the illness," said James Lederer, MD, Berkshire Health Systems Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer. "Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines provide good protection against Omicron, and we hope those in our community who have not yet received a booster will register for this event or get a booster at other locations where available."
 
A clinic held on Dec. 18 at BCC saw close to 1,000 people vaccinated, and the January clinic is expected to continue that trend.
 
The Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative is a partnership of Berkshire Health Systems, the Berkshire County Boards of Health Association and Community Health Programs, and successfully vaccinated tens of thousands of Berkshire residents throughout early to mid-2021.
 
For more information on the BCC clinic, visit www.getvaccinatedberkshires.org.

Tags: BCC,   BHS,   BMC,   COVID-19,   vaccinations,   


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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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