General Surgeon Brett Matthews Joins North Adams Regional Hospital

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced the appointment of Brett Matthews, DO, a board certified and fellowship trained surgeon, to the medical staffs of North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) and Berkshire Medical Center and the provider staff of Berkshire Surgical Services. 
 
Matthews is accepting new patients in need of general surgery and surgical endoscopy services. He serves North and Central Berkshire patients at the Berkshire Surgical offices in Pittsfield and North Adams.   
 
Matthews has been practicing general and minimally invasive surgery for the past eight years and came to the Berkshires from Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport. He specializes in: laparoscopic and open hernia repair, laparoscopic foregut surgery, such as hiatal hernia or anti-reflux procedures, minimally invasive surgery on the small bowel, colon, adrenal and spleen surgery, upper and lower endoscopy, enteral and vascular access, mediports, and office excision for abscesses, skin and subcutaneous lesions.   
 
Matthews is not new to the Berkshires, as after receiving his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine he completed his general surgery residency training at Berkshire Medical Center. He also completed a surgical residency at the University of Hawaii at Honolulu and a fellowship in upper GI endoscopy, advanced laparoscopy and bariatric surgery at the University of Massachusetts.   
 
"We welcome Dr. Matthews back to the Berkshires, providing minimally invasive care for surgical patients across the region," said Laurie Lamarre, BHS Vice President and NARH Chief Operating Officer. "NARH and BMC are committed to expanding access to specialty care for our community and Dr. Matthews brings a wide array of surgical skills to our hospitals."  
 
"I began my surgical training here in the Berkshires and am honored and excited to return and give back to the community that helped me become the surgeon I am today," he said. 
 
Matthews enjoys spending time outside running, swimming, golfing, skiing and hiking.   
 
For an appointment with Matthews, ask your primary care provider for a referral or call Berkshire Surgical Services at North Adams, 413-664-5411 or Berkshire Surgical Services’ Pittsfield office, 413-447-6420.  

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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