Get the vaccine to protect you — and those around you. By Everett Lamm, MD With flu season around the corner, your health care Clinicians, employers, pharmacists and others are sounding the annual reminder: “Get your annual flu shot.” We encourage this for you...
Clinic on wheels, staffed by CHP medical and outreach staff, seeks to improve access to care, patient health The Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (BFHC), a MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Partnership Plan, today announced the launch of a new...
For Dr. Jeremy Stoepker, providing informed, compassionate medical care to LGBTQ patients is more than just professional. It’s personal. It’s about family. It’s about advocacy. When Jeremy was a young child in the 1980s, in rural, conservative Michigan, his father...
A Message of Gratitude: Summer 2019 Greetings, After many busy months deepening the reach of our services, I am grateful to see concrete evidence that we are making a difference. Within a few short weeks of opening our dental center in North Adams, our waiting list...
Education is the key to childhood asthma. “I love working with patients and families together, we have such a broad scope of people here, patients that come from every socioeconomic background. I especially like working with families that need more education and...
Supporting CHP throughout the years “I stay connected to CHP because it is so important to our community. Ultimately, I am grateful that all of these people have carried on Dr. Whitfield’s vision. Our neighbors need CHP and we are there. I want to do my part in making...
Several summer interns at Community Health Programs were recognized for outstanding service by the Berkshire Business Interns (BBI) program. A special event was held Wednesday, Aug. 7 at Norad Mill in North Adams, sponsored by BBI. CHP interns honored for their work...
Community Health Programs (CHP) is proud to mark National Health Center Week, Aug. 4-10, by highlighting the vital impact of 1,400 community health centers in our nation’s healthcare system and our community. National Health Center Week is part of a national...
By Ashli Minor, MS, RDN, LDN Nutritionist, Community Health Programs As summer marches on and the harvests come in, we are surrounded by a growing bounty at farmer’s markets and local produce stands. What’s the best way to shop at a farmer’s market? How do you get the...
Posted in The Berkshire Eagle, Friday, July 19, 2019 5:15 pm To the editor: Like Berkshire Health Systems, Community Health Programs shares the physician recruitment issues that pose a challenge to medical care in our rural community. However, we are concerned that...
By Lia Spiliotes ACROSS THE NATION, unequal access to health care raises urgent, pressing problems for individual and community health. For rural and underserved communities, the most urgent challenge for patients is our shrinking supply of primary care physicians....
In Commonwealth Magazine, CHP’s Chief Executive Officer Lia Spiliotes comments on the impact of a physician shortage on rural communities. We must address rural physician...
CHP Psychiatrist Dr. Leslie Fishbein traveled to Albany on Monday, June 24 for the “Medical Monday” radio call-in program with WAMC Program Host Ray Graf. Dr. Fishbein at WAMC During the hour-long program, callers had questions about everything from...
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) has adopted a Community Health Programs physician’s resolution declaring health care to be a “basic human right.” Dr. Michael Kaplan, second from right, with U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy (center), and other...
Dr. Jeremy Stoepker, family medicine physician, has relocated from New York City to join the primary care team at CHP Lee Family Practice. Stoepker has a special interest in LGBTQ health, alternative/complementary medicine approaches and holistic attention to caring...
The CHP Annual Meeting and Stakeholders Breakfast takes place Thursday, June 13, 7:30-9:00 a.m., at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield. CHP will honor Kristine Hazzard, outgoing president and CEO of Berkshire United Way, will be honored at The event is open to...
The CHP Board of Directors of Community Health Programs has named Celia Clancy of Lenox as a new member. Celia Clancy Ms. Clancy is CEO of Celia Clancy Consulting and past CEO/president of The Fitzpatrick Companies. She brings to the board her background in retail and...
Leigh LoPresti, MD, family medicine physician, has joined the primary care team at CHP North Adams Family Medical and Dental Center. Dr. Leigh LoPresti Dr. LoPresti is a former chief medical officer at Battenkill Valley Health Center in Arlington, Vermont. He has...
With their three children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren launched and making big marks in the world, Nicholas Boraski and his late wife Ruth were always mindful of other people’s children, those less fortunate, those with limited access to...
CHP’s annual GIANT consignment shop- just for kids, young families, expecting families, and those who love them. Save the Dates: May 30, 31 at CHP Great Barrington September 27, 28 in our NEW LOCATION- MILL & MAIN at the Dalton CRA. This...
Greylock Federal Credit Union has generously provided support to bring pediatric behavioral health to CHP Berkshire Pediatrics in Pittsfield. Greylock’s gift provides funding support for a new social worker who will coordinate pediatric behavioral health for...
A Community Health Programs nurse practitioner has published a scholarly paper focused on a modern approach to helping adolescents and children manage their asthma. Gina Nickels-Nelson, MS, FNP, who practices at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics in Pittsfield, has authored...
Michelle Derr: Director of Family Services & WIC Growing Up, Giving Back at CHP When a young mom shows up at Family Services, stressed by parenting, work challenges, a grocery shortage or a housing problem, Michelle Derr can say, “I know how you feel” – and she...
Dr. Lisa Nelson, primary care physician at CHP’s Great Barrington Health Center, talked with Alan Chartock on WAMC’s “Medical Monday” program in early January. Dr. Nelson’s approach to medicine often begins with a look at lifestyle and...
Community Health Programs will soon add dental care at its medical practice location at 71 Hospital Ave. The newly expanded CHP North Adams Family Medicine and Dental Center will welcome new dental patients beginning in mid-March. “We look forward to welcoming new...
Community Health Programs Great Barrington Health Center has been recognized by Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for excellence in the primary care patient experience, based on patient surveys. The MHQP Patient Experience Awards is a new program...
CHP’s chief medical officer responds to a columnist’s view of physician shortage issues, 1/16/19. In today’s health care environment, in nearly all medical settings and not just in rural areas, primary care medicine is increasingly provided by highly...
CEO’s Chief Medical Officer was interviewed regarding mid-winter flu and respiratory illness, in The Berkshire Eagle, 1/17/19 The flu and RSV run similar cycles and tend to hit their peak in the mid- to late winter, Lamm said. But unlike the flu, there...
Commentary by CHP’s CEO, Lia Spiliotes, published in Commonwealth Magazine, 1/20/19 Today, we are redefining what constitutes “good health” and “good health care.” As the “social determinants of health” move into focus, we must reach beyond vital signs, the...
By Lia SpiliotesJan. 22, 2019 Last month’s federal court ruling declaring that ACA is unconstitutional was yet another alarm-raiser for Obamacare customers around the country. Again, in the delicate realm of subsidized insurance, ACA customers were asking: Should I...
Deepak Nainal, DMD, MBA, has joined CHP Family Dental in Great Barrington at 343 Main Street. Nainal is a 2018 graduate of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine; he completed his residency program at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine Clinic. He also...
1/14/19 ~ Community Health Programs insurance enrollment specialists urge area residents who qualify for ACA subsidized health plans to complete their applications by Jan. 23, the deadline for avoiding a tax penalty in Massachusetts. Despite a recent federal court...
By Chrissy Garner, LDN As the clock struck midnight, and you were sipping and kissing away the last of 2018, you and millions of people were also making New Year’s resolutions. Among the popular ones: eat less, move more, cut back on sweets, quit smoking,...
A CHP insurance enrollment counselor interviewed on the air, 11/20/18 “Healthcare Enrollment Efforts Continue Before Massachusetts’ January Deadline” Two key health care enrollment dates are coming up soon. December 15th marks the deadline for federal...
“I want to plan an active part in my health care.” Karen feels strongly that good health and wellnessare achieved through self-awareness and “lots of little things we do for ourselves.” Her health care Clinicians at CHP recognize that too, and help...
“I learned everything about how to eat, how to exercise…Now I can sleep.” Dick worked on a farm all his life, rising early and working hard. He loved the farming life, and it kept him healthy and fit. Since retirement at 65, however, his fitness...
“Everyone was so supportive and fantastic in preparing me for what I could expect.” For the birth of her first baby, Laurie had some checklist items for pre-natal and delivery care: She wanted the care of certified nurse-midwives, she wanted a hospital...
Jennifer Goewey of Sheffield has been named to the CHP board of directors. Goewey is the shelter director at the Elizabeth Freeman Women’s Center, where she has also worked as a domestic violence and sexual assault counselor and advocate. She is the former executive...
Nutritionist Christina Garner has joined the CHP Neighborhood Health Center medical practice. Christina is a clinical nutritionist and wellness educator with expertise in medical nutrition counseling, fitness and health education. She places emphasis on integrative...
Community Health Programs offers in-person assistance during the Massachusetts Health Connector’s open enrollment period, which began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 23, 2019. “Health insurance renewal is not automatic for people covered through the MAHealthConnector,...
The Jewish Women’s Federation of the Berkshires has awarded a $2,800 grant to CHP for parent education. The funds support the CHP workshop “Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself.” These workshops, two hours each, help parents support their own...
Catherine B. Miller “There are two things I have a passion for: education and health. No one should be denied either. CHP provides both.” ~ Catherine Miller What is your history with Community Health Programs?I was on the board during three pivotal periods in CHP’s...
Pictured, from left, CHP Board President Christopher Phillips, CEO Lia Spiliotes, Congressman Richard Neal, CHP Board Vice President Brian Drake, and CHP Board Member Chuck Leach of Lee Bank, an event sponsor. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Community Health Programs...
CHP’s Chief Medical Officer writes about the importance of the flu shot. With flu season around the corner, your health care Clinicians, employers, pharmacists and others are sounding the annual reminder: “Get your annual flu shot.” We encourage this for you,...
Community Health Programs has named Nurse Practitioner Alison M. Flynn to the primary care team at the CHP Neighborhood Health Center practice in Pittsfield. An adult nurse practitioner, Flynn is a 2010 master’s degree graduate of the Sage Colleges, and she earned her...
CHP Berkshire Pediatrics welcomes Jamie L. Berkowitz, physician assistant, to its pediatric primary care team in Pittsfield. Berkowitz holds a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a second master’s...
Alfred “A.J.” Enchill Jr. has been named to the Community Health Programs Board of Trustees. His appointment was confirmed by the CHP board at its October meeting. A.J. Enchill Enchill is district aide to State Sen. Adam Hinds, based in Pittsfield, where he focuses on...
Community Health Programs opposes the Question 1 ballot initiative, with its strict mandates for nurse-patient ratios in hospitals and costly fines for staffing shortfalls. The impacts of Question 1 reach well beyond the hospital setting and threaten health care...
Community Health Programs has received a $285,000 federal grant for expanded treatment of behavioral health disorders that can place patients at risk of substance abuse. The grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is part of a $396...
Pittsfield, Mass. (Sept. 28, 2018) – Dr. Ronald Maitland, clinical director of the dental residency program at CHP Neighborhood Dental, has been honored by New York University for his contributions to dental education over more than five decades. Dr. Ronald Maitland...
CHP on Wheels, CHP’s mobile health van, will be in downtown Lee on Friday, Sept. 14 from 5-8 p.m. as part of the Taste of Lee event. No appointments are necessary for routine blood pressure checks. CHP staff will be on hand to provide information about WIC...
Community Health Programs (CHP) has named Elizabeth “Betsy” Strickler as chief communications officer for the CHP countywide health and medical network. She will lead strategic marketing, communication and fundraising initiatives for the organization. Strickler has...
Community Health Programs CEO Lia Spiliotes spoke with Bob Dean, host of Berkshire Matters, on Pittsfield Community Television. Lia describes how Community Health Programs is a medical practice network like any other in the Berkshires — with additional services...
CHP welcomes Dr. Vandana Sethi to the staff of CHP Neighborhood Dental Center in Pittsfield. Sethi joined the Pittsfield practice after completing Berkshire Medical Center’s dental residency program at CHP Neighborhood Health Center. She earned her bachelor of dental...
The Children’s Attic consignment sale in May was a great success, grossing over $20,000 to support Family Services programs at CHP. The Children’s Attic sale will take place once a year going forward. We would like to thank Salisbury Bank for its overwhelming support...
As part of the national Reach Out & Read program for more than 15 years, Community Health Programs last year gave out 1,000 books to children ages 6 months to age 5. We are committed to supporting families in the Berkshires and beyond by keeping this Reach...
Back to School: Tips to Give Children and Teens, a Healthy Start “Back-to-school” is just around the corner for our Berkshire County children, but a new school year can challenge the whole family’s health. But your children’s health can remain strong during the...
Did you know that Community Health Programs provides vision care? And that CHP on Wheels — our mobile health van — has ophthalmology equipment that makes our vision care services available at our different practice locations in Great Barrington, Lee and...
World Breastfeeding Week prompted a CHP Family Services celebration of the benefits of breastfeeding on Thursday, Aug. 2. Our guests, their babies and other children joined our staff to mark the occasion and connect with other nursing moms. Thanks to the CHP Family...
By Lia Spiliotes Aug. 7, 2018 This past year, with strong bipartisan support, Congress invested nearly $10 billion in the nation’s 1,400 community health centers, recognizing that a strong community-based system of care — where people have certain access to...
Dr. Andrew Beckwith, obstetrician/gynecologist with CHP Barrington OB-GYN, spoke at length with host Alan Chartock on WAMC’s Medical Monday program, on topics ranging from pregnancy to menopause. Listen here, as Alan and Andrew talk women’s...
In a world filled with inequality, crises and poverty, breastfeeding can be a building block for lifelong health for babies and mothers. Even an hour or a day of breastfeeding after birth delivers benefits to mother and baby; nursing exclusively for six months offers...
Dr. Sandeep Kumar has joined the medical staff at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics in Pittsfield. Dr. Kumar is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Kumar was most recently a senior associate consultant at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Minnesota, and he...
CHP Family Services and South Berkshire WIC will host a celebration of World Breastfeeding Week on Thursday, Aug. 2, from 10-noon. Breastfeeding women, expectant mothers and their children are invited to the free event, from 10 a.m.-noon, at CHP Family Services, 442...
Family practice physicians Dr. Stephen A. Alsdorf and Dr. Lisa Nelson have joined the primary care medical team at CHP Great Barrington Health Center. Drs. Nelson and Alsdorf, who care for children, teens and adults, practiced most recently at Family Practice...
Community Health Programs has earned a perfect compliance score from the federal agency that provides critical funding for federally qualified health centers. The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) delivered its findings following an onsite review in...
Community Health Programs Children’s Attic Consignment Sale takes place May 19 and 20 at the CHP campus at 444 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington. Families seeking affordable clothing for their fast-growing children are invited to shop. The sale takes place Saturday,...
By Lia Spiliotes April 24, 2018 I am the mom of an adult son with autism, and it’s meaningful to me that April is Autism Awareness Month. I appreciate this annual recognition of people who live with autism’s challenges and rewards: adults and children...
Did you leave your CHP appointment with a prescription for a health-enhancing hike? No problem — CHP has a hiking path right outside the door of its Great Barrington Health Center! Thanks to a 2016 collaboration between CHP, Berkshire Natural Resources Council,...
CHP’s chief executive officer, Lia Spiliotes, talked recently on “Berkshire Senior TV,” a Pittsfield Community Television program hosted by Elder Services of Berkshire County. Watch here. Lia joined John Lutz, executive director of Elder Services, to...
Susan Greenberg-Yarmush, certified nurse-midwife (CNM) with CHP Barrington OB-GYN, had a radio conversation on the WSBS 860-AM program “Ask the Nurse,” with host Cynthia Henry, herself a retired CNM. You can download the program here to listen to their...
For International Women’s Day on March 14, Greylock Federal Credit Union staff showed up at CHP Family Services in Great Barrington, to help spiff up the building serving families in the South County region. Volunteers reorganized the children’s clothing...
CHP is excited about this upcoming event addressing aging well in the Berkshires! What: Berkshire Supergenarians: A Forum for Seniors When: Wednesday, May 9, 2018 , 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Berkshire Museum. About: If you’re a Supergenerian, in your 7th, 8th, 9th, or...
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with the staff at Fairview and with CNM Lisa Fraine. They all made what could have been a very scary experience, smooth and calm and their teamwork was incredible! I’m so glad Lisa was the one to deliver our...
Three of our top primary care Clinicians are now accepting new adult patients at CHP Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield! Family Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Gamache is focused on health promotion and disease prevention, and she has a strong passion for holistic...
Are you a Community Health Programs patient who uses MassHealth for your health care? If so, on March 1, 2018, Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative, or BFHC, will be your new health plan. The good news is that all CHP doctors and nurse practitioners are part of BFHC,...
CHP is grateful for a gift from MountainOne that allowed us to equip two patient rooms at CHP North Adams Family Medicine. This gift will enhance the patient-doctor experience and allow CHP to care for more patients. Thank you, MountainOne!
Thank you, bankers — and thank you, Mountain One! Community Health Programs has received a $5,000 donation from the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) Charitable Foundation to support CHP’s health care and family support services in Berkshire County. CHP...
CHP Family Services will expand its family playgroups to Construct’s Pinewoods residential community in Stockbridge, beginnng in February. On Wednesdays starting Feb. 7, 10-11:30 a.m., the Pinewoods community room will host a playgroup offering creativity,...
In his column for Commonwealth Magazine, CHP Enrollment Counselor William Cruz shares his perspective on the Affordable Care Act — and the people who need it. THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT is still the law of the land after a series of failed attacks in Congress....
Community Health Programs is pleased to welcome two new members to its board of trustees. Nicole Antil and Gloria Escobar took their seats on the board of the countywide health care network in December, said Christopher Phillips, board chair. Antil, a native of Morris...
By Lia Spiliotes Nov. 28, 2017 It’s time for our nation’s health care leaders to stand up against those who denigrate the nation’s invaluable Medicaid program. Such talk is wrong-headed, usually untrue, and counter-productive to the provision of care. Medicaid...
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Community Health Programs has added three new health care Clinicians to its medical and dental network in the Berkshires. Read online at iBerkshires.com
On Page 18 in the October issue of Berkshire Trade & Commerce, Berkshire Pediatrics’ affiliation with CHP is profiled. In addition, BTAC covers CHP’s collaboration with Fallon Health and Berkshire Health Systems in one of Massachusetts’ new...
It’s Tuesday morning at the Great Barrington Price Chopper, and a collection of moms and toddlers are clustered by the carts outside. They’ve gathered for Cooking Matters at the Store, a free grocery store tour program of the Share Our Strength organization,...
CHP Neighborhood Dental welcomes Elwira Tyra, D.D.S., to its staff in Pittsfield. She graduated from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, followed by a dental residency program at Collegium...
CHP welcomes Gina Nickels-Nelson, family nurse practitioner, to the primary care team at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics in Pittsfield. She earned her M.S. in nursing at the University of Rochester, after completing her undergraduate nursing degree from Northern Michigan...
CHP welcomes Claire Horth, M.D., family medicine physician, has joined the primary care team at CHP Community Health Center in Great Barrington. A graduate of UMass School of Medicine in Worcester, she completed her residency through Brown University at Memorial...
In its print publication for October 2017, Berkshire Trade & Commerce has published news about the annual reorganization of Community Health Centers’ board of directors.
Berkshire Eagle, Aug. 7, 2017 ~ Two South County medical establishments are bringing a certified nurse-midwifery program back to the area following a three-year hiatus. Community Health Programs and Fairview Hospital are collaborating to bring two certified...
George Ball is fortunate to have good health insurance. He chose CHP and Kathleen Floyd, FNP, as his primary care Clinician. In his own words, “Everyone here is so friendly… I realize I’ve been blessed with a good life and choices … I like the fact that CHP provides...
Tara’s primary care physician at CHP encouraged her to get a mammogram. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, her CHP doctor assisted her in finding a surgeon she could trust at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Many women (and men) like Tara need...
By Tony Dobrowolski, Sunday, August 6, 2017 GREAT BARRINGTON — Two Southern Berkshire medical establishments are bringing a certified nurse-midwifery program back to the area following a three-year hiatus. Community Health Programs and Fairview Hospital are...
Berkshire Pediatrics Associates has joined the Community Health Programs health network as of Aug. 1, 2017, becoming the latest private medical practice in the Berkshires to merge with the federally qualified health center organization. With the BPA merger, 12,000 new...
June is Men’s Health Month, so let’s put men’s health in our CHP spotlight. In Western culture, some men were raised to be strong and stoic. And sometimes, they downplay their own health issues, figuring they’ll wait to see if a symptom they noticed gets worse. And...
Molly Rivest, DNP, FNP, has joined Barrington OB-GYN as nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology care. Rivest most recently worked as a primary care Clinician at UMass Memorial-Hahnemann Family Health Center, specializing in women’s and adolescent...
Philanthropy comes in many forms to Community Health Programs: from financial contributions, from volunteer time with our programs, and from “out of the box” initiatives. Local singer/songwriter JoAnne Spies, a volunteer with CHP’s once-monthly mobile food bank,...
CHP’s Northern Berkshire Family Medicine welcomes Family Nurse Practitioner Donna Tew, ARNP, BC, as a primary care Clinician for the practice. Donna will join Dr. Anping Han in providing primary care for adults in Northern Berkshire. A retired lieutenant colonel in...
