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From left, Anthony Scibelli, BHS Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Fairview Hospital; Darlene Rodowicz, President & CEO, Berkshire Health Systems; Barbara Alibozek; Eugene Dellea, BHS Vice President of Government Relations; and Barton Raser, Chair, BHS Board of Trustees

Fairview Hospital Receives $1M Donation for Laboratory Renovation

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced it has received a donation of $1 million to support the relocation and renovation of the Fairview Hospital Clinical Laboratory in order to better serve inpatient, outpatient and Emergency Department needs. 
 
The new Laboratory will be named in honor of Eugene A. Dellea, former President of Fairview Hospital, who has dedicated his career to serving the Berkshire community. Dellea is currently Vice President of Government Relations for Berkshire Health Systems.
 
"We are extremely grateful to our anonymous donors for this incredibly generous gift in Gene Dellea’s honor," said Darlene Rodowicz, Berkshire Health Systems President & CEO. "This donation will directly improve the services our patients receive, matching Gene’s selfless commitment to helping all in our community to achieve better health and well-being."
 
This significant donation will support the new laboratory with an upgraded electrical infrastructure and air filtration systems that will best support new diagnostic technology and equipment. The hospital processes nearly 140,000 tests each year. A more central location on the main floor of the hospital will be more convenient for patients and allow the staff to process testing more quickly and efficiently. 
 
"Life saving decisions depend upon accurate lab testing and fast results," said Tony Scibelli, system vice president and chief operating officer of Fairview Hospital. "This incredible gift will improve the quality of care for the more than 27,000 people who rely on the Fairview Hospital laboratory each year."
 
Dellea joined the former Hillcrest Hospital in September 1955, where he quickly became the Chief Medical Technologist. During his early years at Hillcrest, Dellea was instrumental in building a new state-of-the-art laboratory. In addition to his work at Hillcrest, he was known for his commitment to preventative healthcare, organizing many community health screenings for diabetes and providing other lab services.
 
"This donation provides us with the opportunity to recognize Gene’s long and distinguished career in healthcare, by dedicating the new Fairview laboratory in his name," said Rodowicz.

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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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