Berkshire Community Mobilizes for Harm Reduction 'Days of Action'

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, over two dozen community members will participate in a weekend-long Harm Reduction "Days of Action" across Berkshire County. 
 
Volunteers will distribute lifesaving overdose prevention supplies, resources, and knowledge to residents in areas with higher ratios of opioid-related emergency 911 calls.
 
Members from Berkshire County public health agencies and substance use awareness groups will partner with community members to raise awareness of changes in the opioid and stimulant supply, particularly among people who use more recreationally. The initiative will also distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips, promote reducing substance use alone, connect individuals with support services, and combat the stigma surrounding addiction.
 
Outreach efforts will take place in Pittsfield, North Adams, Adams, and the surrounding areas from noon to 4:00 PM. Participants will have completed a training session and will carry identification and leave-behind materials. This follows a highly successful Day of Action in May.
 
The "Day of Action" is in partnership with Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative, Berkshire Harm Reduction and Safe Spot. It aims to reduce overdoses and connect neighbors to vital resources.
 
Supported by a grant from Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership and the town of Hancock funded by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and powered by RIZE Massachusetts Foundation.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice. 

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down. 

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn. 

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote. 

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms.  Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access. 

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one.  The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza. 

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel.  It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox. 

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked.  Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000. 

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