BCC to Hold Mental Health First Aid Training

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC)'s Workforce and Community Education department will hold its Mental Health First Aid Training this month. 
 
The training will be held over two days, the first session will be held Wednesday, May 21 from 4-8 p.m., and the second session will be held Wednesday, May 28 from 4-8 p.m. Co-instructors Sarah De Jesus and Jennifer Bishop lead both sessions, available both in person and hybrid.  
 
Mental Health First Aid helps assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, students will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. 
 
Topics covered include depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders. Students will learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, self-injury, acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions), overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use, or reaction to traumatic events. Teaching methods include role-playing, scenario discussions, and other activities, allowing students to apply learned skills in real-life situations. 
 
Enrollment is capped at 20 students per session. To register, visit  www.berkshirecc.edu/mentalhealth

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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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