Pittsfield Announces Homebound Vaccinations for Residents

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield Health Department announces flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for Pittsfield residents who are homebound (cannot leave home without considerable and taxing effort, or where it is medically inadvisable).
 
People should speak with their physicians to see if they should also get a pneumonia or RSV vaccination. These vaccinations are the best way to prevent and/or reduce serious illness and hospitalization. Vaccination is also a key step in preventing family and friends who are at high risk for serious illness from getting sick as well.
 
Homebound residents who are seeking flu and COVID-19 vaccinations should call the Pittsfield Health Department at (413) 499-9411. Department staff will schedule a time for the public health nurse to make a home visit to administer vaccinations. There is no out of pocket charge for this service.
 
In addition, public flu and COVID-19 clinics have been scheduled and appointments are required.
 
To register for any of our public flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/pittsfield
 
Registration is available in most languages. For questions, call the Health Department at (413) 499-9411.
 
As a reminder, COVID-19 tests are available for free at the Health Department located at 100 North Street, mezzanine level.

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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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