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.

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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