North Adams Regional Hospital Receives MassEcon Impact Award

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass — MassEcon, the state's private sector partner in promoting business growth in Massachusetts, has honored North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) in the 21st Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards, with a Gold recognition. 
 
NARH was among three organizations honored in Western Massachusetts, achieving Gold, while a Silver honor went to Electro Magnetic Applications and Bronze to the Berkshire Innovation Center, both in Pittsfield.
 
"Berkshire Health Systems, and the entire staff of North Adams Regional Hospital, are honored to be recognized for this achievement," said Laurie Lamarre, BHS Vice President and NARH Chief Operating Officer. "The reopening of North Adams Regional Hospital fulfilled a vision of restoring acute care services to the North Berkshire region, and my colleagues at NARH are committed to improving the health and well-being of all of the people we serve."
 
The winners will be recognized during a ceremony at UMass Boston in April, and the organizations that were honored were selected after site visits, interviews with regional teams of judges, and 90-second 'pitches' during a finalist's reception. Altogether, the expansion projects included in the awards represent a financial investment of $280 million, and 822 jobs added to the state's economy.
 
"These are remarkable awardees, making contributions to the economic health of Massachusetts in every region," said Peter Abair, MassEcon's Executive Director. "This is a celebration of Massachusetts as a place to live and work."
 
"Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in innovation and economic growth and these awardees embody that spirit," said Yvonne Hao, State Secretary of Economic Development. "These organizations are not only driving job creation, expanded facilities, and investment across our diverse regions, but they are also making significant contributions to the vibrancy of our Commonwealth."

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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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