2025-08-14T14:52:53-05:00 2024-09-30 991856619 GRANT THORNTON ADVISORS LLC 53 STATE ST 16TH FLOOR BOSTON MA 02109 990 2023-10-01 042791396 BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER INC BERK 4134472508 725 NORTH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 012014109 SCOTT ST GEORGE CFO 4134472706 2025-08-14 0 0 ERIN COUTURE P01390492 6177237900 2023 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z DARLENE RODOWICZ 725 NORTH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 012014109 760131678 0 X WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG X 1983 MA TO ADVANCE HEALTH & WELLNESS OF OUR COMMUNITY IN A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE, & PERSONALIZED ENVIRONMENT. 23 18 3748 111 951630 950630 4027279 3185957 667315117 723028187 28227291 29392848 1346960 1883053 700916647 757490045 0 0 0 0 296324189 304375809 0 0 0 342367900 354618203 638692089 658994012 62224558 98496033 759507288 831876410 223047643 181058073 536459645 650818337 X THE MISSION OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER IS TO ADVANCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IN A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE, AND PERSONALIZED ENVIRONMENT. 0 0 551113161 671508709 OPERATE AN ACUTE CARE GENERAL HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITY, AND DELIVER THE HIGHEST QUALITY PATIENT-CENTERED CARE IN A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. TOTAL PATIENT DAYS FOR THE YEAR ARE 64,192, TOTAL LAB PROCEDURES 1,690,115, TOTAL RADIOLOGY PROCEDURES 178,686, TOTAL REHAB VISITS 56,383. HOURS OF OPERATION 24/HRS 365/DAYS PER YEAR. 38226949 41981833 OPERATION OF AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND TRAUMA CARE CENTER AVAILABLE TO ALL REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. TOTAL VISITS FOR THE YEAR 48,269. EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IS IN OPERATION 24 HRS/DAY 365 DAYS/YEAR. 12845583 6967224 VISITING NURSE PROGRAM ALLOWING FOR THE CARE AND REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS IN THEIR OWN HOME ENVIRONMENT. TOTAL VISITS FOR THE YEAR 34,485 DETAILED AS FOLLOWS SKILLED NURSING 17,205 HOME HEALTH AIDE 1,077, REHAB 15,815, AND SOCIAL SERVICE 388. HOURS OF OPERATION 7 DAYS/WEEK 8AM-9PM WITH A NURSE ON CALL 24 HOURS. 3426527 2570421 OPERATE A SUBSTANCE ABUSE CENTER PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF PATIENT CARE. TOTAL PATIENT DAYS FOR THE YEAR 6,340. PROGRAM OPERATES 24 HRS/DAY 365 DAYS/YEAR. 3426527 2570421 605612220 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 228 0 1 3748 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 23 18 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 MA NY X X SCOTT ST GEORGE 4134472706 725 NORTH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 012014109 DARLENE RODOWICZ PRESIDENT 25.00 25.00 X X 0 1055499 37153 RICHARD ALCOMBRIGHT TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 ALFRED A BARBALUNGA TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 ALEC A BELMAN MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 1.00 50.00 X 0 411303 69757 JASON BRATCHER MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN TERM BEGAN 1/24 1.00 50.00 X 0 641839 30341 ALBERT A BRAVO DPM TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 TIMOTHY BURKE TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 ROBERT P CELLA JR MD TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 SHAWN V CUSSON TRUSTEE/TERM BEGAN 1/24 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 EDITH KIT DOBELLE TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 DAVID HALL TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 LETICIA SE HAYNES TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 EDMUND HORNSTEIN DO TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 1.00 50.00 X 103793 227182 380 SUSAN KORMANIK TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN A LOIODICE MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 1.00 50.00 X 0 250636 38038 KATHLEEN M MCCORMICK ESQ TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 DAVID MORESI TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 LAURIE NORTON MOFFATT TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 FREDERICK PUDDESTER TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 BARTON D RASOR TRUSTEE/CHAIRMAN 1.00 2.00 X X 0 0 0 DEBORAH RENZI TRUSTEE/TERM BEGAN 1/24 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 JEANETTE SMITH PHD TRUSTEE/TERM BEGAN 1/24 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 ANAKATINA CORDON SUFFISH TRUSTEE 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN L BISSELL TRUSTEE/TERM END 12/23 1.00 2.00 X X 0 0 0 BRONLY S BOYD TRUSTEE/TERM END 12/23 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 CAROL G SIEGEL TRUSTEE/TERM END 12/23 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 ERWIN A STUEBNER JR MD TRUSTEE/TERM END 12/23 1.00 2.00 X 0 0 0 SCOTT ST GEORGE TREASURER 37.00 13.00 X 0 602502 25392 CHERYL M BOUDREAU CLERK 19.00 21.00 X 0 129314 19721 MICHAEL MCHUGH MD CHAIRMAN-E.D. MEDICINE 50.00 0.00 X 480975 0 43523 ANDREW MANZER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 50.00 0.00 X 520187 0 54298 BRENDA E CADORETTE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER 50.00 0.00 X 350064 0 45325 ROBIN BURNS-LAMBERT MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 50.00 0.00 X 988385 0 55654 SEETHA MUTHAVARAPU MD HOSPITALIST 50.00 0.00 X 712241 0 56371 RAYMOND GARY SOHL MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 50.00 0.00 X 627424 0 41039 DAVID POMERANTZ MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 50.00 0.00 X 530843 0 66059 LJILJANA MARKOVIC MD CHAIR OF PSYCHIATRY 50.00 0.00 X 521071 0 40937 4834983 3318275 623988 559 0 1 0 AHSA PO BOX 738891 DALLAS TX 753738891 CONTRACTED LABOR 24374628 SHIELDS PHARMACY OF THE BERKSHIRE PO BOX 844023 BOSTON MA 022844023 PHARMACY CONSULTANT 7764828 MEDTIGO STAFFING LLC PO BOX 397 DOVER MA 02030 CONTRACTED LABOR 3219006 FASTAFF LLC 5700 S QUEBEC ST SUITE 300 GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 08111 CONTRACTED LABOR 3096314 AYA HEALTHCARE INC 5930 CORNERSTONE CT WEST SUITE 300 SAN DIEGO CA 09212 CONTRACTED LABOR 2871833 36 2856935 329022 25760 3185957 PATIENT SERVICES REVENUE 622000 583452699 583452699 RETAIL PHARMACY 456110 105134890 105134890 OTHER ANCILLARY 622000 28939777 28939777 LAB REVENUE 621510 3373660 3373660 HEALTH PROMO EDUCATION 611710 2127161 2127161 723028187 13512627 951630 12560997 664789 618523 46266 46266 46266 17900432 2899 2023110 0 15877322 2899 15880221 15880221 CAFETERIA INCOME 722514 1836787 1836787 1836787 757490045 723028187 951630 30324271 1546546 1546546 239544476 235518802 4025674 9001254 8762508 238746 34474315 33888255 586060 19809218 19472460 336758 41902492 41902492 93230 93230 54462 54462 65237 65237 43538867 42980552 558315 257263 252889 4374 6347565 6239656 107909 646075 635091 10984 412345 405335 7010 521111 521111 19084472 18886435 198037 2924427 2874712 49715 PATIENT RELATED SUPPLY 191267297 188711823 2555474 BAD DEBT 22573350 22573350 UNCOMPENSATED CARE POOL 12309252 12309252 EQUIP RENTAL/PURCHASES 11978246 11447207 531039 642512 78320 564192 658994012 605612220 53381792 0 15596 15596 146877847 139570794 408068 231289 56420934 52671789 16568926 27537515 15277143 13879150 3350283 4561524 500657770 334542792 172083117 166114978 273534755 331353757 49568812 67559592 25401807 28380426 759507288 831876410 62190272 63311426 3963415 9822394 44032760 38439880 4017440 4226880 108843756 65257493 223047643 181058073 X 497111574 604796307 39348069 46022032 536459641 650818337 759507288 831876410 X 98496033 51917625 -36054962 X 0 1 X 1 1 1 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 54462 54462 0 PART II-B, LINE 1: LOBBYING ACTIVITIES EXPENDITURES BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER PAYS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES TO THE AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION (AHA) AND THE MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION (MHA). A PORTION OF THESE DUES ARE USED BY THE AHA AND THE MHA TO CONDUCT LOBBYING ACTIVITIES TO ADVOCATE FOR APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR FYE 9/30/2024. CALCULATION OF THE LOBBYING FEE PORTION OF THE ANNUAL DUES ARE AS FOLLOWS: MHA LOBBYING FEES OF $30,423 ARE 15.4% OF THE $197,549 ANNUAL DUES. AHA LOBBYING FEES OF $24,039 ARE 39.00% OF THE $61,639 ANNUAL DUES. 34493283 6879269 -12000 41360552 31583433 2925103 -14500 -753 34493283 35358308 -3740481 -14000 -20393 31583433 30131752 5235776 -8500 -720 35358308 28399191 1747061 -5500 -9000 30131752 0.19060 0.80940 0 0 9337605 9337605 234448905 158543645 75905260 215278333 155403114 59875219 41592927 20596033 20996894 166114978 INDEX FUND, LARGE BLEND 67559592 C 67559592 DUE TO THIRD PARTIES 47753841 DEFERRED COMPENSATION 11523591 WORKERS COMP STOP LOSS LIABILITY 332000 ASSET RETIREMENT ACCRETION 5337771 LEASE LIABILITY 310290 65257493 X PART V, LINE 4: THE ORGANIZATION HOLDS, INVESTS AND/OR UTILIZES ENDOWMENT FUNDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY EXPRESSED WISH OF THE DONOR OF THOSE FUNDS. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE DONOR INSTRUCTIONS ALLOW THE EXPENDITURE OF THE ENDOWMENT FUNDS, THEY ARE EXPENDED FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES PURPOSES SUCH AS FREE CARE AND SCHOLARSHIPS, CONSISTENT WITH THE TAX EXEMPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION. PART X, LINE 2: THE FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER, INC. ARE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CONSOLIDATED AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND AFFILIATES AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023. THOSE FINANCIALS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING FIN-48 FOOTNOTE: "THE HEALTH SYSTEM FOLLOWS THE ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE FOR UNCERTAINTIES IN INCOME TAX POSITONS, WHICH REQUIRES THAT A TAX POSITION BE RECOGNIZED OR DERECOGNIZED BASED ON A "MORE LIKELY THAN NOT" THRESHOLD. THE HEALTH SYSTEM HAS DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE NO SUCH POSITIONS, INDIVIDUALLY OR IN THE AGGREGATE, THAT ARE MATERIAL TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS." 1 1 1 X 1 X 1 1 1 0 1 1 1174326 47467 1126859 0.00180 82584078 70123830 12460248 0.01960 7892847 12283511 91651251 82454808 13587107 0.02140 7158370 2848105 4310265 0.00680 13496303 5774541 7721762 0.01210 17243853 12083530 5160323 0.00810 403794 0 403794 0.00060 38302320 20706176 17596144 0.02760 129953571 103160984 31183251 0.04900 1942 0 1942 0.00000 758386 25479 732907 0.00120 760328 25479 734849 0.00120 1 22573350 192693534 269173266 -76479732 X 1 1 1 1 BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER 725 NORTH STREET PITTSFIELD MA 01201 WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG VQKK X X X X BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER 1 0 0 1 X X X X X X X X X 22 1 1 0 1 X SEE PART V SECTION C X 1 22 1 SEE PART V SECTION C 0 1 X 150.000000000000 400.000000000000 X X X 1 1 X X X X 1 X SEE PART V SECTION C X SEE PART V SECTION C X SEE PART V SECTION C X X X X X X 1 X 0 X X X 1 X 0 0 BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: IN 2022, BHS JOINED THE COALITION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALS/INSURER ("THE COALITION"), A PARTNERSHIP FORMED IN 2012 TO COORDINATE RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES, AND IT CURRENTLY CONSISTS OF TEN NONPROFIT HOSPITALS, CLINICS, AND INSURERS IN THE REGION. THE COALITION MEMBERS COORDINATE TO CONDUCT THEIR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS (CHNA). ALTHOUGH BHS CONDUCTED A CHNA IN 2021, IT COMMISSIONED THIS 2022 CHNA SO THAT IT CAN COLLABORATE AROUND SHARED PRIORITIES GOING FORWARD. THE COALITION WORKED WITH A CONSULTANT TEAM LED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (PHIWM) TO CONDUCT THE CHNA. THIS ASSESSMENT FOCUSED ON THE BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS SERVICE AREA OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY AS WELL AS DATA FOR SELECT COMMUNITIES AS AVAILABLE: GREAT BARRINGTON, NORTH ADAMS, AND PITTSFIELD.THE 2022 BHS CHNA UPDATES THE PRIORITIZED COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS REPORTS, AS THEY RELATE TO: THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS OR DETERMINANTS THAT INFLUENCE HEALTH, BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS, AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND OUTCOMES. ITS PRODUCTION WAS GUIDED AND INFORMED BY THE COALITION'S 2022 CHNA STRUCTURE AND PROCESS, WHICH CONSISTED OF: A REVIEW OF EXISTING ASSESSMENT REPORTS; SURVEY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS; PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF COVID-19'S IMPACT ON THE REGION; AND ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA, WITH EFFORTS WHERE POSSIBLE TO DISAGGREGATE (E.G., BY RACE, ETHNICITY, GENDER, AGE, LGBTQIA+, GEOGRAPHY) TO UNDERSTAND HEALTH DISPARITIES. AS PART OF THE CHNA PROCESS, BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS MADE THE DECISION TO (1) ASSESS THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HEALTH NEEDS IN THE COUNTY; AND (2) CHOSE TWO OF THE IDENTIFIED PRIORITIZED NEEDS FROM 2021 FOR A DEEPER DIVE AND ADDITIONAL DATA GATHERING: CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER. BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CHOSE TO PLACE GREATEST FOCUS ON INEQUITIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND TEENAGERS, OLDER ADULTS, AND MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED INDIVIDUALS.THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2022 CNHA, ORGANIZED INTO THREE OVERARCHING CATEGORIES:YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH (REGIONAL FOCUS AREA)SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS THAT IMPACT HEALTH A. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTB. HOUSING NEEDSC. ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD, TRANSPORTATION, AND PLACES TO BE ACTIVE.D. EMPLOYMENT AND INCOMEE. EDUCATIONAL NEEDSBARRIERS TO ACCESSING QUALITY HEALTH CAREA. INSURANCE AND HEALTH CARE RELATED CHALLENGES B. LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF PROVIDERS C. NEED FOR INCREASED CULTURALLY SENSITIVE CARE D. NEED FOR TRANSPORTATIONE. LACK OF CARE COORDINATION F. HEALTH LITERACY AND LANGUAGE BARRIERS HEALTH CONDITIONS AND BEHAVIORSA. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE (BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS FOCUS AREA)B. CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS (BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS FOCUS AREA)CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 6A: FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) REGULARLY ASSESSES THE HEALTH NEEDS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY RESIDENTS AS PART OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMMING. BMC COMPILED THE BERKSHIRE COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA) REPORT USING THE EVALUATION OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA, FINDINGS FROM LOCAL ORGANIZATION REPORTS, AND FEEDBACK COLLECTED FROM FOCUS GROUPS AND SURVEYS. THIS DATA, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS FOCUS AREAS AND PRIORITIES, WAS USED TO DETERMINE OUR ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES. THE INTENT IS TO BROADLY IDENTIFY THE MAJOR TRENDS IN HEALTH STATUS AND OUR COMMUNITY'S HEALTH NEEDS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACTORS THAT ARE LIKELY TO AFFECT THE POPULATION OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY. THE FRAMEWORK OF THIS PLAN SPANS FISCAL YEARS 2022-2024. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHNA ARE TO: TO GATHER STATISTICALLY VALID INFORMATION ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE RESIDENTS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY TO DEVELOP ACCURATE COMPARISONS TO STATE AND NATIONAL BENCHMARKS OF HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE MEASURES TO PROVIDE TRENDING INFORMATION FOR THE FUTURE TO IDENTIFY KEY AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY NEEDS AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS TO UTILIZE FINDINGS FOR COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND HOSPITAL PLANNING WHILE DEMOGRAPHIC, SOCIOECONOMIC AND HEALTH STATUS INDICATORS PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL NEEDS AND/OR PROBLEMS, SUCH A BROAD-BASED VIEW CANNOT IDENTIFY ALL OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE PROBLEMS FACING A COMMUNITY. THIS IS RATHER ONE STEP OF MANY IN AN ON-GOING PROCESS OF COLLECTING AND DISSEMINATING HEALTH STATUS INFORMATION SO THAT, WORKING TOGETHER WE ADDRESS MOST OF THE IDENTIFIED HEALTH NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND HELP TO ENSURE BETTER OUTCOMES FOR ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY. ADDITIONALLY, AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PROCESS IS TO IDENTIFY PREEXISTING PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS AND SILOED WORK. WE KNOW THAT COLLABORATING WITH OUR PARTNERS WE CAN BUILD A STRONGER MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITY THAT CAN ADDRESS MOST OF OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS. WHEN PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS ARE ALREADY ADDRESSING A PRIORITY HEALTH NEED, BMC MAY NOT PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICE OR FUNDS HOWEVER SUPPORTS THAT PROGRAM BY PROVIDING REFERRALS, CONNECTIONS, DATA, AND/OR OTHER MODALITIES OF SUPPORT. BASED ON THIS APPROACH, MOST OF THE IDENTIFIED HEALTH NEEDS ARE BEING ADDRESSED BY BMC OR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS. COMMUNITY BENEFIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE:THE GOVERNING BODY OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) IS COMPOSED OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, PHYSICIAN REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL STAFF, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ARE ELECTED TO SERVE TERMS OF UP TO THREE YEARS, ARE SUBJECT TO TERM LIMITS, AND REPRESENT A DIVERSE RANGE OF COMMUNITY INTERESTS-INCLUDING SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS, FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS, CONSUMER ADVOCATES, AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS. BHS HAS ESTABLISHED THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCESS COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. THIS COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH A FOCUS ON MOVING FORWARD THE HEALTH EQUITY STRATEGY, AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT, WHICH IS DEVELOPED BY BHS HOSPITALS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WHICH REVIEWS AND DISCUSSES COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS, POTENTIAL NEW INITIATIVES, AND COMMUNITY NEEDS AND OUTCOMES. OUR CBAC INCURRED CHANGES IN ITS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REESTABLISHED.BMC IS THE ONLY HEALTH SYSTEM IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND THEREFORE WE ASSUME A SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP ROLE IN ADDRESSING THE PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED IN THE CHNA. WE ARE FORTUNATE TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH MANY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS. BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER HAS A STRONG REPUTATION AS A LEADER AND COLLABORATOR IN MEETING COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS THROUGH ITS ONGOING COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. BMC PLANS TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS IN RESPONSE TO THE HEALTH NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE 2022-2024 COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT. THESE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS, SCREENINGS, SUPPORT GROUPS, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES AND ACCESS TO CARE THROUGH SEVERAL LEVERAGED SOURCES (GRANTS). BMC UNDERSTANDS THAT THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE FLUID AND MAY CHANGE WITH CIRCUMSTANCE AND TIME, IN RESPONSE STRATEGIES MAY ALSO CHANGE, AND PROGRAMS MAY BE ADDED OR ELIMINATED DURING THE 2022-2024 TIMEFRAME. LISTED BELOW ARE THE HOSPITAL'S FY24 STRATEGIC PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS, AND HOW EACH IS ADDRESSED. THE FY24 PRIORITY HEALTH NEEDS ARE UPDATED FROM THE TRIANNUAL FY22 CHNA. BMC HAS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY NEEDS AREAS: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE, ACCESS TO CARE, SOCIAL ECONOMIC, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. THESE PRIORITY NEEDS ARE LISTED BELOW WITH SUPPLEMENTATION OF WHAT IS BEING DONE BY THE HOSPITAL REGARDING EACH NEED. PLEASE NOTE, THE LISTS ARE NOT EXHAUSTIVE BUT ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER:SUBSTANCE USE/ OPIOIDS - BMC HAS INPATIENT SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE MCGEE RECOVERY CENTER, A DETOX PROGRAM, AND OUR CLINICAL STABILIZATION SERVICES UNIT, WHICH GIVES THOSE IN RECOVERY THE OPPORTUNITY TO STAY, UP TO 30 DAYS, IN A SAFE SETTING THAT AIDS IN LONG-TERM RECOVERY. BMC ALSO PARTNERS WITH THE BRIEN CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES IN PROVIDING ACCESS TO OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION. THE SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT CLINIC DEVELOPED IN 2019 IS PROVIDED BY A MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT) CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONER AND REGISTERED NURSE WHO PROVIDE TREATMENTS RELATED TO ALL FORMS OF SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND PRACTICE USING THE HARM REDUCTION MODEL OF CARE. CARE INCLUDES SUPPORT, MEDICATIONS INCLUDING INDUCTIONS, ORAL, SUBLINGUAL, INJECTABLE AND TRANSDERMAL FORMULATIONS. COORDINATES CARE WITH THE PATIENT'S PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES. THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM IS TO HELP MANAGE THEIR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, REDUCE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UTILIZATION, AND REDUCE INPATIENT AND OBSERVATION ADMISSIONS. THE PROVIDERS ARE BOTH CERTIFIED RECOVERY COACHES. RECRUITMENT FOR OTHER POSITIONS SUCH AS COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER/RECOVERY COACH AND MEDICAL ASSISTANT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING. BMC ALSO DEPLOYS VENDING MACHINES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE FREE HARM REDUCTION SUPPLIES. ADDITIONALLY, BMC HAS INSTALLED NUMEROUS NARCAN BOXES ACROSS THE COUNTY WHERE ANYONE CAN ACCESS THE LIFE-SAVING MEDICATION. MENTAL HEALTH-DEPRESSION, SUICIDE - THE BMC DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDES ANNUAL FREE DEPRESSION SCREENINGS IN THE COMMUNITY, PARTNERS WITH THE BRIEN CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES ON OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS AND PROVIDES AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO COMPANIES IN THE COMMUNITY TO AID IN RESPONDING TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. CHRONIC CONDITIONS & INFECTIOUS DISEASECANCER - IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE HEMATOLOGY AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY SERVICES THROUGH THE BMC CANCER CENTER, BMC HAS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING CANCER SCREENING, SUCH AS COLONOSCOPY, MAMMOGRAPHY, AND LUNG CANCER. FOR COLONOSCOPY AND MAMMOGRAPHY, BMC ALSO PROVIDES PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUNDS TO HELP THOSE AT RISK TO PAY FOR POTENTIAL HIGH CO-PAYS FOR THESE PREVENTION SCREENINGS. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH - BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH OUR PHYSICIAN PRACTICES. THE WELLNESS AT WORK PROGRAM PROVIDES CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENINGS FOR BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES. AS WELL AS FREE COMMUNITY BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. DIABETES - BMC HAS A DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT WORKS WITH PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH PRE-DIABETES, AND TYPE 1 AND 2 DIABETES, PROVIDING ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING AND SUPPORT, INCLUDING ACCESS TO NUTRITION SERVICES. INFECTIOUS DISEASE - BMC'S INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL DEPARTMENT WORKS BOTH IN THE HOSPITAL AND IN THE COMMUNITY TO CURB INFECTIOUS DISEASE, INCLUDING COVID-19, INFLUENZA, LYME DISEASE, AND MANY OTHERS. STROKE/BLOOD PRESSURE - BMC IS A DEDICATED STROKE CENTER AND REGULARLY PROVIDES COMMUNITY LECTURES AND PROGRAMS THAT EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS FOR STROKE, AND HOW TO RESPOND. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE/ INFECTION - BMC'S INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL DEPARTMENT WORKS BOTH IN THE HOSPITAL AND IN THE COMMUNITY TO CURB INFECTIOUS DISEASE, INCLUDING INFLUENZA, LYME DISEASE, AND MANY OTHERS. BERKSHIRE HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM EMBRACES AN APPROACH THAT FOCUSES ON HELPING PEOPLE WHO USE DRUGS REDUCE THEIR HIGH-RISK BEHAVIOR AND THE HARM ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG USE.CONTINUE ON SCHEDULE O PART V, SECTION B LINE 7A THE HOSPITAL'S 2022 CHNA REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE, HTTPS://WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG/COMMUNITYWELLNESS/UNDER COMMUNITY HEALTH CLICK ON THE LINK FOR BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS COMMUNITY HEALTH NEED ASSESSMENT PART V SECTION B LINE 10A THE HOSPITAL'S MOST RECENTLY ADOPTED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE,HTTPS://WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG/COMMUNITYWELLNESS/UNDER COMMUNITY HEALTH CLICK ON THE LINK FOR BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER-COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2022-2024) PART V SECTION B LINE 16A THE HOSPITAL'S FAP IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE, HTTPS://WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG/PATIENT-JOURNEY/BILLING-AND-FINANCES/SELECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION POLICY DROP DOWN BOX, SELECT DOCUMENT "FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY - BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS". PART V SECTION B LINE 16B THE HOSPITAL'S FAP APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE, HTTPS://WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG/PATIENT-JOURNEY/BILLING-AND-FINANCES/THEN SELECT THE DOCUMENT "FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION". PART V SECTION B LINE 16C THE HOSPITAL'S PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF THE FAP IS AVAILABLE ON THE HOSPITAL WEBSITE, HTTPS://WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG/PATIENT-JOURNEY/BILLING-AND-FINANCES/,THEN SELECT THE DOCUMENT "PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICIES". PART I, LINE 7: THE TOTAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE REPORTED ON PART I, LINES 7A, 7B, & 7C HAS BEEN CALCULATED USING THE RATIO OF PATIENT CARE COST TO CHARGES AS COMPUTED USING WORKSHEET 2 IN THE SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS. THE TOTAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE REPORTED ON PART I, LINE 7G HAS BEEN CALCULATED USING A COST ACCOUNTING METHOD. PART I, LINE 7G: OUR COMMUNITY BENEFITS WHICH ARE SUBSIDIZED ARE THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE UNIT, CLINICAL STABILIZATION SERVICES, RENAL DIALYSIS SERVICES, AND THE INPATIENT PYSCHIATRIC UNIT. PART I, LN 7 COL(F): BAD DEBT EXPENSE OF $22,573,350 ATTRIBUTABLE TO PATIENT ACCOUNTS HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE COMPUTATION OF ALL COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE SHOWN IN PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN F. PART I, LINE 6A FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL AND BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER EACH FILE A SEPARATE COMMUNITY BENEFITS REPORT WITH THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. PART II, COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS $1,942WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT $732,906: RECRUITMENT OF STAFF PART III, LINE 2: THE HOSPITAL REPORTS ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FOR SERVICES RENDERED AT NET REALIZABLE AMOUNTS FROM THIRD-PARTY PAYERS, PATIENTS, AND OTHERS. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES AN ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE AMOUNTS BASED UPON ACTUAL WRITE-OFF'S, A REVIEW OF OUTSTANDING RECEIVABLES, HISTORICAL COLLECTION INFORMATION, AND EXISTING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND TRENDS. PART III, LINE 4: FOOTNOTE 2 (PROVISION FOR BAD DEBT) TO THE AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND AFFILIATES (INCLUDING BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER) FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 ARE LISTED ON PAGE 12 UNDER "PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE". PART III, LINE 8: THE AMOUNT REPORTED ON LINE 6, PART III WAS DETERMINED USING THE COST ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY USED FOR THE MEDICARE COST REPORTS. THE LOSS ON MEDICARE ACTIVITY AS REPORTED IN PART III, LINE 7 IS A COMMUNITY BENEFIT BECAUSE IT IS THE MISSION OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY HEALTH CARE TO RESIDENTS OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. THE COST TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES OFTEN EXCEEDS THE REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUCH SERVICES. ELDERLY PATIENTS ARE AMONG THE MOST NEEDY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND PROVIDING SERVICES TO THEM CLOSE TO HOME IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARE, INCREASES ACCESS AND ENHANCES HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR THIS POPULATION. SERVICES SUCH AS EMERGENCY CARE, CARDIAC SERVICES, PSYCHIATRIC CARE, RENAL DIALYSIS AND WOUND CARE SERVICES ARE AMONG THOSE THAT PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT TO THE FRAIL ELDERLY. THE BREADTH OF ACUTE AND AMBULATORY SERVICES PROVIDED BY BMC MEANS THAT THE MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES IN OUR COUNTY DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTY FOR MOST SERVICES. PART III, LINE 9B: POPULATIONS EXEMPT FROM COLLECTION ACTIVITIESTHE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS AND PATIENT POPULATIONS ARE EXEMPT FROM ANY COLLECTION OR BILLING PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO STATE REGULATIONS:A. PATIENTS ENROLLED IN A STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MASSHEALTH, EMERGENCY AID TO THE ELDERLY, DISABLED AND CHILDREN, HEALTHY START, CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SECURITY PLAN, "LOW INCOME PATIENTS" AS DETERMINED BY THE OFFICE OF MEDICAID.1. PLEASE NOTE THAT BMC MAY SEEK COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST ANY PATIENT ENROLLED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROGRAMS FOR THEIR REQUIRED CO-PAYMENTS AND DEDUCTIBLES THAT ARE SET FORTH BY EACH SPECIFIC PROGRAM.2. BMC MAY ALSO INITIATE BILLING OR COLLECTION FOR A PATIENT WHO ALLEGES THAT HE OR SHE IS A PARTICIPANT IN A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THAT COVERS THE COSTS OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICES, BUT FAILS TO PROVIDE PROOF OF SUCH PARTICIPATION. UPON RECEIPT OF SATISFACTORY PROOF THAT A PATIENT IS A PARTICIPANT IN A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, (INCLUDING RECEIPT OR VERIFICATION OF SIGNED APPLICATION) BMC SHALL CEASE ITS BILLING OR COLLECTION ACTIVITIES. 3. BMC MAY CONTINUE COLLECTION ACTION ON ANY LOW INCOME PATIENT FOR SERVICES RENDERED PRIOR TO THE LOW INCOME PATIENT DETERMINATION, PROVIDED THAT THE CURRENT LOW INCOME PATIENT STATUS HAS BEEN TERMINATED OR EXPIRED. HOWEVER, ONCE A PATIENT IS DETERMINED ELIGIBLE AND ENROLLED IN THE HEALTH SAFETY NET, MASSHEALTH, OR CERTAIN COMMONWEALTH CARE PROGRAMS, BMC WILL CEASE COLLECTION ACTIVITY FOR SERVICES, PREVIOUSLY BILLED, THAT NOW FALL INTO THE ELIGIBILITY PERIOD. 4. BMC MAY SEEK COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST ANY OF THE PATIENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMS LISTED ABOVE FOR NON-COVERED SERVICES THAT THE PATIENT HAS AGREED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, PROVIDED THAT THE HOSPITAL OBTAINED THE PATIENT'S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT TO BE BILLED FOR THE SERVICE.5. BMC WILL NOT UNDERTAKE COLLECTION ACTION AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR MEDICAL HARDSHIP UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH SAFETY NET PROGRAM WITH RESPECT TO THE AMOUNT OF THE BILL THAT EXCEEDS THE MEDICAL HARDSHIP CONTRIBUTION.B. BMC DOES NOT GARNISH A PATIENT'S OR THE PATIENT'S GUARANTOR'S WAGES OR EXECUTE A LIEN ON THE PATIENT'S OR THE PATIENT'S GUARANTOR'S PERSONAL RESIDENCE OR MOTOR VEHICLE. C. BMC AND ITS AGENTS SHALL NOT CONTINUE COLLECTION OR BILLING ON A PATIENT WHO IS A MEMBER OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING EXCEPT TO SECURE ITS RIGHTS AS A CREDITOR IN THE APPROPRIATE ORDER. PART VI, LINE 2: COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION STATEMENT:THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS MISSION STATEMENT OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER AND BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS (BHS) IS TO ADVANCE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IN A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE, AND PERSONALIZED ENVIRONMENT. AT BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, WE KNOW THAT OVERALL WELLNESS IS THE RESULT OF HEALTHY FAMILIES, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, NOT JUST EXCELLENT MEDICAL CARE. THERE, WE SUPPORT OUR PATIENTS BEYOND THE HOSPITAL, CLINIC, OR MEDICAL OFFICE. WE RECOGNIZE THAT EACH OF OUR PATIENTS HAS UNIQUE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES. WE STRIVE TO MAKE EACH EXPERIENCE WITH BHS ONE THAT IS WELCOMING PERSONALIZED, AND CONVENIENT FOR THE PATIENT. WE MAKE CONNECTIONS AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY SERVICES THAT GIVE PATIENTS THE TOOLS TO LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES. ACROSS BHS'S COMMUNITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER, AND TWO CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS, FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL AND NORTH ADAMS REGIONAL HOSPITAL, WE WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT PATIENT NEEDS. TOGETHER, OUR CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS HELP US BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES - KEEPING PATIENTS LOCAL WHENEVER POSSIBLE AND SEAMLESSLY TRANSPORTING THEM TO BMC IF A MORE ADVANCED LEVEL OF CARE IS NEEDED. COMMUNITY BENEFIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CBAC):THE GOVERNING BODY OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) IS COMPOSED OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, PHYSICIAN REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL STAFF, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ARE ELECTED TO SERVE TERMS OF UP TO THREE YEARS, ARE SUBJECT TO TERM LIMITS, AND REPRESENT A DIVERSE RANGE OF COMMUNITY INTERESTS-INCLUDING SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS, FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS, CONSUMER ADVOCATES, AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS. BHS HAS ESTABLISHED THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCESS COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. THIS COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH A FOCUS ON MOVING FORWARD THE HEALTH EQUITY STRATEGY, AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT, WHICH IS DEVELOPED BY BHS HOSPITALS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WHICH REVIEWS AND DISCUSSES COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAMS, POTENTIAL NEW INITIATIVES, AND COMMUNITY NEEDS AND OUTCOMES. OUR CBAC INCURRED CHANGES IN ITS LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REESTABLISHED. COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA)BMC HAS UTILIZED AN ACTIVE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AS PART OF ITS COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROCESS SINCE 1996. THE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT IS UPDATED ANNUALLY, WITH A COMPLETE ASSESSMENT DONE EVERY THREE YEARS. IN 2022, BHS JOINED THE COALITION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOSPITALS/INSURER ("THE COALITION"), A PARTNERSHIP FORMED IN 2012 TO COORDINATE RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES, AND IT CURRENTLY CONSISTS OF TEN NONPROFIT HOSPITALS, CLINICS, AND INSURERS IN THE REGION. THE COALITION MEMBERS COORDINATE TO CONDUCT THEIR COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS (CHNA). THE COALITION WORKED WITH A CONSULTANT TEAM LED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (PHIWM) TO CONDUCT THE CHNA. ITS PRODUCTION WAS GUIDED AND INFORMED BY THE COALITION'S 2022 CHNA STRUCTURE AND PROCESS, WHICH CONSISTED OF: A REVIEW OF EXISTING ASSESSMENT REPORTS; SURVEY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS; PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF COVID-19'S IMPACT ON THE REGION; AND ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA, WITH EFFORTS WHERE POSSIBLE TO DISAGGREGATE (E.G., BY RACE, ETHNICITY, GENDER, AGE, LGBTQIA+, GEOGRAPHY) TO UNDERSTAND HEALTH DISPARITIES. THE NEEDS DATA, ALONG WITH STATE-ESTABLISHED PRIORITIES, ARE USED TO DETERMINE OUR ANNUAL COMMUNITY BENEFIT AREAS OF FOCUS. IN ITS PLANNING, BHS CONTINUALLY LOOKS FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO MORE IMPACTFUL USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES, SEEKS PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES, AS WELL AS WAYS TO IDENTIFY GAPS IN SERVICE AND BUILD PROGRAMS OR PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY NEEDS.DATA SOURCESCOMMUNITY FOCUS GROUPS, HOSPITAL DATA, CONSUMER AND ADVISORY GROUPS, INTERVIEWS, PUBLIC HEALTH PERSONNEL, SURVEYS, FEDERAL, STATE, AND MUNICIPAL DATA SOURCES, INDUSTRY GROUPS AND NONPROFIT REPORTSGOALS: STATEWIDE PRIORITIES AS PART OF OUR PLANNING PROCESS, BHS INCORPORATES THE MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE PRIORITIES AND THE MA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITIES TO GUIDE OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT INVESTMENTS. THE COMMONWEALTH'S PRIORITIES ARE: CHRONIC DISEASE (WITH A FOCUS ON CANCER, HEART DISEASE, & DIABETES), HOUSING STABILITY/HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL ILLNESS & MENTAL HEALTH, AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH'S PRIORITIES ARE: BUILT ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING, VIOLENCE, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT. COMMUNITY BENEFIT TARGET POPULATIONS:CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS OLDER ADULTS MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES:BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CHRONIC CONDITIONS & INFECTIOUS DISEASE ACCESS TO CARE SOCIAL ECONOMIC WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUNITY PARTNERS:BERKSHIRE AHEC, BERKSHIRE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH ASSOCIATION, BERKSHIRE BOUNTY, BERKSHIRE BREAST HEALTH TEAM, BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL, BERKSHIRE COUNTY COURT SYSTEM, BERKSHIRE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS, BERKSHIRE COUNTY REGIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANNING COMMITTEE, BERKSHIRE COUNTY REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, BERKSHIRE COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION, BERKSHIRE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BERKSHIRE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE, BERKSHIRE EMERGENCY NURSE'S ASSOCIATION, BERKSHIRE FALLON HEALTH COLLABORATIVE, BERKSHIRE IMMIGRANT CENTER, BERKSHIRE OPIOID ADDICTION PREVENTION COLLABORATIVE (BOAPC), BERKSHIRE UNITED WAY, BERKSHIRE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, BOARDS OF HEALTH: TRI-TOWN HEALTH DEPARTMENT, BERKSHIRE COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH, PITTSFIELD HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE BRIEN CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, CHILD CARE OF THE BERKSHIRES, CLINICAL SUPPORT OPTIONS, COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, WILLIAMS COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SCHOOL), ELDER SERVICES OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY/ SENIOR CENTERS/COUNCILS ON AGING/RVSP/SHINE, FOOD BANK OF WESTERN MA, GREYLOCK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, HOME-CARE AGENCIES, INNOVATIVE CARE PARTNERS, JUVENILE AND ADULT PROBATION, KEENAN HOUSE, LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY, LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES/PITTSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT, LOCAL HIRING AGENCIES, LOCAL SHELTERS, FOOD PANTRIES, DAY PROGRAMS, ETC., MCGEE RECOVERY CENTER, MOTHER'S IN RECOVERY, NORTHERN BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COALITION, PHYSICIAN AND SPECIAL PROVIDER OFFICES, RECREATIONAL (BERKSHIRE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, BERKSHIRE FAMILY YMCA, BERKSHIRE SOUTH), REGIONAL PAIN COLLABORATIVE, SERVICENET, THINK FIRST, VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE, WIC (WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN), ZERO SUICIDEPROGRAM PLANNING AND EVALUATION:THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT IS USED TO FOCUS OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROGRAM AND INITIATIVE PLANNING AS WELL AS TO MONITOR RESULTS AND REPRIORITIZE FOR FUTURE EFFORTS. PART VI, LINE 3: BMC PROMINENTLY ADVERTISES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, AT ALL OF ITS FACILITIES, AND ON ITS WEBSITE ITS ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS PROGRAM. THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO ASSIST THE UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY IN ACCESSING VARIOUS FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL PROGRAMS THAT CAN PAY FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES, AS WELL AS INFORM PATIENTS ABOUT OTHER AVENUES THEY CAN ACCESS TO RECEIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT NO COST. ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS HELPS REDUCE THE PERCEPTION THAT AN INABILITY TO PAY FOR HEALTHCARE IS A BARRIER TO RECEIVING CARE. ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS STAFF FACILITATE THE APPLICATION AND ENROLLMENT PROCESS OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO LIVE IN MASSACHUSETTS INTO QUALIFIED HEALTH PLANS THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE AND/OR OTHER HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS MEDICAID AND CHIP, AND ASSIST QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS IN MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ON THE SELECTION OF A HEALTH PLAN. THE STAFF RECOGNIZES THAT MANY OF THESE STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS CAN BE COMPLEX AND CONFUSING, AND THEIR GOAL IS TO MAKE THE HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT PROCESS AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE FOR THE PATIENT. WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY'S CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE, THE ADVOCACY STAFF CAN ASSIST IN UPDATING THE APPROPRIATE AGENCY.ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS ASSISTS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EACH YEAR ACCESS HEALTH INSURANCE OR OTHER COVERAGE PROGRAMS TO AID THEM IN ADDRESSING THEIR HEALTHCARE NEEDS.IN ADDITION TO THE ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS PROGRAM, BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS HAS AN INTERNAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THAT IS AVAILABLE TO UNINSURED PATIENTS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE STATE OR WHO ARE NOT MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS.INFORMATION REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IS OFFERED TO OUR PATIENTS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:NOTICES OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE POSTED THROUGHOUT THE HOSPITAL, SPECIFICALLY IN ALL SERVICE DELIVERY AREAS, IN FINANCIAL COUNSELING OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE CLINICAL CAMPUSES, IN ALL BERKSHIRE FACULTY SERVICES PHYSICIAN PRACTICES, AND ELECTRONICALLY ON BMC'S WEBSITE WWW.BERKSHIREHEALTHSYSTEMS.ORG. APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE WITH THE ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS APPLICATION COUNSELORS WHO CAN ASSIST PATIENTS SUBMIT AN ELECTRONIC APPLICATION VIA WWW.MAHEALTHCONNECTOR.ORG FOR STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. APPLICATION COUNSELOR ARE ALSO AVAILABLE DAILY TO MEET WITH PATIENTS WHO PRESENT AT THE OFFICE WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT.AT PRE-REGISTRATION, SELF-PAY PATIENTS ARE OFFERED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS PROGRAM OFFICE ALONG WITH AN EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE.BROCHURES ARE DISTRIBUTED AT ALL ACCESS POINTS INFORMING PATIENTS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WITH PHONE NUMBERS TO CONTACT ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. STATEMENTS MAILED TO PATIENTS WHO HAVE A SELF-PAY BALANCE WILL HAVE A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE AVAILABLE AND THE PHONE NUMBERS TO CONTACT ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. ALL PATIENT STATEMENTS HAVE A MESSAGE ON THE BACK OF THE STATEMENT INDICATING THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. PART VI, LINE 4: BERKSHIRE COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS IS THE MOST WESTERN OF THE 14 COUNTIES IN MASSACHUSETTS. WITH ABOUT 12% OF THE LANDMASS AND ONLY 2% OF THE POPULATION, BERKSHIRE COUNTY IS THE SECOND MOST RURAL COUNTY IN THE STATE. THE BERKSHIRES RUN ALONG THE NEW YORK BORDER FROM VERMONT IN THE NORTH TO CONNECTICUT IN THE SOUTH AND ENCOMPASSES MOST OF THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE THAT SEPARATES THE HUDSON AND CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEYS. ELEVATIONS RANGE FROM 500 FEET IN THE RIVER VALLEYS TO 3500 FEET AT MOUNT GREYLOCK. DATA FROM THE US CENSUS BUREAU FOR 2024 ESTIMATES THE POPULATION OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY TO BE 128,726. US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 2016-2020 INFORMED THE DATA USED IN THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF THE BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY:THE SERVICE AREA CONSISTS OF RESIDENTS WHO IDENTIFY AS PREDOMINANTLY WHITE NON-HISPANIC RACE AND ETHNICITY, THOUGH THIS VARIES IN SOME COMMUNITIES. BERKSHIRE COUNTY HAS A LARGER PROPORTION OF BLACK AND LATINO/A/E RESIDENTS COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS CHNA. BERKSHIRE COUNTY PRIMARILY HAS WHITE RESIDENTS (90%). SOME OF THE SERVICE AREA'S POPULATION IS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. FOR EXAMPLE, IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY, 12% OF RESIDENTS ARE FOREIGN-BORN. IN GREAT BARRINGTON, NORTH ADAMS, AND PITTSFIELD, 6% OF RESIDENTS ARE FOREIGN-BORN. ABOUT ONE IN TEN PEOPLE IN GREAT BARRINGTON (10%), NORTH ADAMS (9%), AND PITTSFIELD (9%) SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH AT HOME.ECONOMICALLY, BERKSHIRE COUNTY HAS A STRONG TOURISM INDUSTRY THAT REVOLVES AROUND ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND CREATIVE COMMUNITIES. THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY IS 30% LOWER THAN THAT OF THE STATE. ONLY 19% OF THE POPULATION AGED 25 AND OVER IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY HAS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, COMPARED TO 45% STATEWIDE. UNEMPLOYMENT IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY IS SIMILAR TO THE STATEWIDE LEVEL OF 5%. THE MEDIAN AGE FOR THE SERVICE AREA IS SEVEN YEARS OLDER THAN THAT OF THE STATE. THE OLDER ADULT POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO GROW IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE SERVICES NEEDED IN THE COUNTY. APPROXIMATELY 16% OF RESIDENTS IN THE BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS SERVICE AREA HAVE DISABILITIES. SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN THE SERVICE AREA HAVE SIMILAR RATES OF DISABILITY (GREAT BARRINGTON 11%, NORTH ADAMS 18%, AND PITTSFIELD 18%). IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY, 9% OF LATINO/A/E RESIDENTS HAVE DISABILITIES COMPARED TO 16% OF ALL RESIDENTS IN THE COUNTY. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TEND TO HAVE HIGHER RATES OF POVERTY. FOR EXAMPLE, IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND THE SELECTED COMMUNITIES, THE POVERTY RATE AMONG THOSE WITH A DISABILITY WAS 2-4 TIMES HIGHER THAN FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT A DISABILITY. THE BERKSHIRES IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED YEAR-ROUND TOURIST DESTINATION, KNOWN FOR ITS CULTURAL OFFERINGS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION. BOASTING AWARD-WINNING ART MUSEUMS, HISTORICAL DESTINATIONS, AND THEATRES ALONGSIDE SCENIC HIKING, BIKING, AND SKIING, THE BERKSHIRES HAS BEEN A HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR BOSTON AND NEW YORK RESIDENTS FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND IS HOME TO MANY SEASONAL RESIDENTS. PART VI, LINE 5: THE GOVERNING BODY OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) IS COMPOSED OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, PHYSICIAN REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL STAFF, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS ARE ELECTED TO SERVE TERMS OF UP TO THREE YEARS, ARE SUBJECT TO TERM LIMITS, AND REPRESENT A DIVERSE RANGE OF COMMUNITY INTERESTS-INCLUDING SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS, FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS, CONSUMER ADVOCATES, AND EDUCATIONAL LEADERS. MOST COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ALSO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES. BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS (BHS) MAINTAINS A PATIENT AND FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL (PFAC) TO PROVIDE INPUT AND ADVICE ON A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICE-RELATED TOPICS.THE MEDICAL STAFF OF BHS IS OPEN TO ALL PHYSICIANS WHO MEET ESTABLISHED CLINICAL AND PATIENT SERVICE CRITERIA. HOWEVER, CERTAIN HOSPITAL-BASED SERVICES-SUCH AS RADIOLOGY, ANESTHESIA, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, AND PATHOLOGY-ARE FUNCTIONALLY CLOSED DUE TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS.BMC REGULARLY INVESTS BOTH PERSONNEL AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY INITIATIVES THAT PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, WITHOUT EXPECTATION OF REIMBURSEMENT. THE HOSPITAL ALLOCATES SURPLUS FUNDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, MAINTAINS ACCESS TO PATIENT SERVICES, AND EXPANDS CARE ACCESS POINTS TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY BENEFIT PRIORITIES FOR PATIENTS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.BERKSHIRE COUNTY HAS LONG FACED A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF PHYSICIANS IN VARIOUS SPECIALTIES. IN RESPONSE, BHS HAS DEDICATED SIGNIFICANT PERSONNEL TIME AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO RECRUIT PHYSICIANS AS DIRECT EMPLOYEES OF BHS OR ITS AFFILIATES. ADDITIONALLY, BMC HAS PROVIDED SUBSTANTIAL ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITY MEDICAL PRACTICES, SUPPORTING THE RECRUITMENT AND SUCCESSFUL START-UP OF NEW PHYSICIANS IN HIGH-NEED SPECIALTIES.BHS IS ALSO FOCUSED ON FILING NON-PHYSICIAN ROLES THROUGH CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAMS, OFFERING PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WHERE PROFESSIONALS ARE ABLE TO LEARN VALUABLE SKILLS, EARN CERTIFICATIONS, AND FAST-TRACK PROGRESS TOWARD A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE. CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAMS ARE PAID EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO FOSTER A TALENTED, DIVERSE WORKFORCE BY BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THAT HAVE TRADITIONALLY PREVENTED MANY INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN HEALTHCARE FROM JOINING OUR WORKFORCE. BMC IS SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON BUILDING PATHWAYS TO THE MOST IMMEDIATELY NEEDED ROLES: NURSING ASSISTANTS, MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, AND REGISTERED NURSES. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH PAID IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND MCCANN TECHNICAL SCHOOL. IN 2023, THE SYSTEM ANNOUNCED A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, HELPING LAUNCH A 4-YEAR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM, DESIGNED TO HELP GROW THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE BERKSHIRES.THE HEALTH SYSTEM IS ALSO ADDRESSING CRITICAL SHORTAGES IN NURSING AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS. AS DETAILED IN THE COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (CHNA), BMC CONSISTENTLY GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH THROUGH EXTENSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND COMPREHENSIVE, COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES. THESE EFFORTS ADDRESS A WIDE RANGE OF HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES, INCLUDING DIABETES, HYPERTENSION AND HEART FAILURE, SMOKING CESSATION, FALLS PREVENTION, CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT, NARCOTICS USE AND DIVERSION, AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE.EXAMPLES OF BMC PROMOTING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY DURING FY 2024 INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:1. DONATED FUNDS TO COMMUNITY EVENTS, LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INITIATIVES2. HOSTED SEVERAL COMMUNITY EVENTS INCLUDING A SUPPORT GROUPS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION, BMC INDEPENDENCE DAY RUN, BERKSHIRES 150, FOOD SERVICE DONATION TO HOMELESS SHELTERS 3. MEDICAL STUDENTS PROVIDING HEALTH EDUCATION AT COMMUNITY EVENTS.4. MEMBERS OF THE WELLNESS PROGRAM AND MANAGEMENT TEAM PROVIDING BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS, HEALTH EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN UPS, AND OTHER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM5. OFFERED COMMUNITY PARTNERS FREE TRAINING FOR INTERESTED EMT'S IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR COUNTY EMS AGENCIES. 6. CREATED SEVERAL TALENT PIPELINE PROGRAMS FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, LPN TO RN PROGRAMS. 7. SUPPORTED A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INITIATIVES INCLUDING HEALTH RELATED ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE BRIEN CENTER (MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION TREATMENT), THE ELIZABETH FREEMAN CENTER (RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT), HILLCREST EDUCATIONAL CENTERS (EDUCATION FOR YOUTH WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES), BLACKSHIRES (ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT), AND Q-MOB (COMMUNITY WELLNESS). 8. SUPPORTED SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN OUR AREA INCLUDING BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP, MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, THE PITTSFIELD PARADE COMMITTEE, GIRLS INC., AND COMMUNITY ACCESS TO THE ARTS, BERKSHIRE IMMIGRATION CENTER.9. ASSISTED COMMUNITY AGENCIES WITH NALOXONE EDUCATION AND INSTALLATION OF NALOXONE DISPENSING CAPABILITIES. PART VI, LINE 6: BMC IS A PART OF AN INTEGRATED, NON-PROFIT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES (A) A TEACHING HOSPITAL, (B) A CRITICAL ACCESS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, (C) A LARGE, MULTISPECIALTY FACULTY PRACTICE ORGANIZATION, (D) A HOME HEALTH AGENCY AND (E), BY CONTRACT AND CLOSE COORDINATION, A NON-PROFIT SENIOR CARE ORGANIZATION THAT INCLUDES SUB-ACUTE SERVICES IN REHABILITATION AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, HOSPICE CARE SERVICES, SENIOR DAY CARE AND OTHER ELDERCARE SERVICES. BMC ENGAGES IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING ON A SYSTEM-WIDE BASIS, WITH A GOAL OF A SEAMLESS TRANSITION OF PATIENT-CENTERED CARE ACROSS THE SPECTRUM OF SERVICES OFFERED BY EACH OF THE SYSTEM'S COMPONENT ENTITIES. BMC, ALONG WITH ITS AFFILIATES, CONTINUES TO DEVELOP INTEGRATED CLINICAL AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ACROSS THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION SO AS TO RENDER CARE EFFICIENTLY, EFFECTIVELY AND CONSISTENTLY AT EVERY CARE SITE. THE BMC AFFILIATES SUCH, AS THE PHYSICIAN FACULTY PRACTICE, ARE FULLY INTEGRATED INTO OUR COMMUNITY BENEFIT PROCESS AND SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIORITIES BY HONORING OUR FREE CARE GUIDELINES AND IN ENGAGING IN SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO MEET COMMUNITY NEED. PART VI, LINE 7, REPORTS FILED WITH STATES MA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DARLENE RODOWICZ PRESIDENT 0 829481 0 142617 0 83401 0 13723 0 23430 0 1092652 0 0 ROBIN BURNS-LAMBERT MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 969263 0 13651 0 5471 0 14554 0 41100 0 1044039 0 0 0 SEETHA MUTHAVARAPU MD HOSPITALIST 694027 0 15338 0 2876 0 14850 0 41521 0 768612 0 0 0 JASON BRATCHER MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN TERM BEGAN 1/24 0 545031 0 93784 0 3024 0 13832 0 16509 0 672180 0 0 RAYMOND GARY SOHL MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 607413 0 12539 0 7472 0 14850 0 26189 0 668463 0 0 0 SCOTT ST GEORGE TREASURER 0 498127 0 42925 0 61450 0 9013 0 16379 0 627894 0 0 DAVID POMERANTZ MD ANESTHESIOLOGIST 513753 0 11657 0 5433 0 11102 0 54957 0 596902 0 0 0 ANDREW MANZER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 442240 0 38535 0 39412 0 14850 0 39448 0 574485 0 0 0 LJILJANA MARKOVIC MD CHAIR OF PSYCHIATRY 507099 0 10844 0 3128 0 14324 0 26613 0 562008 0 0 0 MICHAEL MCHUGH MD CHAIRMAN-E.D. MEDICINE 428222 0 39716 0 13037 0 14850 0 28673 0 524498 0 0 0 ALEC A BELMAN MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 0 387139 0 21463 0 2701 0 14850 0 54907 0 481060 0 0 BRENDA E CADORETTE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER 279542 0 24698 0 45824 0 11640 0 33685 0 395389 0 0 0 EDMUND HORNSTEIN DO TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 103793 221460 0 3923 0 1799 0 0 0 380 103793 227562 0 0 JOHN A LOIODICE MD TRUSTEE/PHYSICIAN 0 238907 0 5518 0 6211 0 9437 0 28601 0 288674 0 0 PART II IN REFERENCE TO FORM 990, PART VII AND SCHEDULE J PART II, NO COMPENSATION IS PAID BY THE FILING ENTITY TO ANY DIRECTOR (TRUSTEE) FOR HIS OR HER ROLE AS DIRECTOR (TRUSTEE). THE OFFICERS OF THE FILING ENTITY ARE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR ROLES AS OFFICERS. PHYSICIANS WHO SERVE AS DIRECTOR (TRUSTEE) ARE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR ROLES AS PHYSICIANS. COMPENSATION OF THE OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES IS REVIEWED AND ESTABLISHED AT LEAST BIANNUALLY BY THE INDEPENDENT VOLUNTEER GOVERNING BODY OF BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. (PARENT ORGANIZATION OF THE FILING ENTITY), BASED ON PERFORMANCE REVIEWS AND COMPARISON TO INDEPENDENTLY ESTABLISHED, REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE BENCHMARKS FOR SIMILAR POSITIONS IN SIMILARLY SIZED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS, AS VERIFIED BY INDEPENDENT, NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS. COMPENSATION OF OTHER OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES IS SET IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNING-BODY ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLES BASED ON COMPARABLE BENCHMARK IDENTIFIED BY SUCH INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS. IN THE REPORTING YEAR, THE GOVERNING BODY TARGETED BASE COMPENSATION FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES AT THE 50TH PERCENTILE OF APPROPRIATE. IN CALENDAY YEAR 2023, COMPENSATION FOR CEO WAS AT THE 40TH PERCENTILE FOR BASE PAY. A MDFA BHS SERIES I 043431814 57584YP94 2021-08-03 58923326 REFUND SERIES G BONDS 0 0 0 A 8230000 58923326 844443 58078883 2021 1 0 1 1 A 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 A 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 A 1 X 1 25760 FAIR MARKET VALUE 0 1 0 PART I, COLUMN (B): ORGANIZATION RECEIVED ONE CONTRIBUTION OF PUBLICLY TRADED STOCK. FORM 990, PART VI BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER INC RELIES ON BHS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF FIANCIAL OFFICER, VP GENERAL COUNSEL, VP HUMAN RESOURCES, AND VP OF PHYSICIAN SERVICES. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. IS THE SOLE CORPORATE MEMBER OF BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER, INC. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS COMPOSED OF THE INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B BHS WILL MAKE THE FORMS 990 FOR BHS AND AFFILIATES AVAILABLE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNING BODIES FOR THEIR REVIEW BY (A) SENDING COPIES TO THEM PHYSICALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY, OR (B) NOTIFYING THE MEMBERS THAT THE FORMS 990 CAN BE ACCESSED BY A SECURE WEB-BASED FOLDER BEFORE THEY ARE FILED WITH THE IRS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION MONITORS AND ENFORCES ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY BY REQUIRING ALL MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY AND ALL OFFICERS, KEY EMPLOYEES AND HIGHEST COMPENSATED EMPLOYEES TO DISCLOSE POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (A) ANNUALLY AND (B) AS POTENTIAL CONFLICTS ARISE. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE GOVERNING BODY IS CHARGED WITH REVIEWING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST INVOLVING MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY OR THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IS CHARGED WITH REVIEWING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST INVOLVING ANY OTHERS. OFFICERS (INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER), KEY EMPLOYEES AND HIGHEST COMPENSATED EMPLOYEES ARE NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE MATERIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. THE DISINTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY ARE CHARGED WITH DETERMINING WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS IN THE CASE OF MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY AND HOW THE AFFECTED MEMBER IS TO ABSTAIN FROM ACTION THAT MAY BE INFLUENCED BY HIS OR HER CONFLICT OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT, INCLUDING BY (A) NOT VOTING OR (B) NOT VOTING AND LEAVING THE ROOM OR (C) LEAVING THE GOVERNING BODY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IS REVIEWED AND ESTABLISHED AT LEAST BIANNUALLY BY THE INDEPENDENT, VOLUNTEER, BHS GOVERNING BODY, BASED ON PERFORMANCE REVIEWS AND COMPARISON TO INDEPENDENTLY ESTABLISHED, REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE BENCHMARKS FOR SIMILAR POSITIONS IN SIMILARLY SIZED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS, AS VERIFIED BY INDEPENDENT, NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS. COMPENSATION OF OTHER OFFICERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES IS SET IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNING BODY-ESTABLISHED PRINCIPLES BASED ON COMPARABLE BENCHMARK IDENTIFIED BY SUCH INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS. IN THE REPORTING YEAR, THE GOVERNING BODY TARGETED BASE COMPENSATION FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES AT THE 60TH PERCENTILE OF APPROPRIATE BENCHMARKS. THE ORGANIZATION FOLLOWED THIS PROCESS FOR THE TAX YEAR BEING REPORTED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 18 BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER, INC'S FORM 990 REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES: GUIDESTAR AT WWW.GUIDESTAR.ORG OFFICE OF THE MA ATTORENY GENERAL AT WWW.CHARITIES.AGO.STATE.MA.US/CHARITIES/ FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS, THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE OFFICE OF (A) THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND (B) THE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL AT 725 NORTH STREET, PITTSFIELD MA 01201. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: EQUITY TRANSFER -36,054,962. SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B LINE 5 YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS (AGE 12-24) ARE ACUTE. ACROSS THE SERVICE AREA, YOUTH SURVEYS FROM 2021, AS WELL AS THE STATEWIDE COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY FROM 2020, SHOW THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS WORSENED THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MANY ADOLESCENTS AND TEENAGERS, WHO EXPERIENCED GROWING ANXIETY, SADNESS, AND DEPRESSION. INEQUITIES WERE BROUGHT TO THE FORE DURING THE PANDEMIC, ESPECIALLY FOR GIRLS, BLACK AND LATINO/A/E YOUTH, YOUTH WITH A DISABILITY, LGBTQIA+, RURAL YOUTH, AND YOUNG ADULTS 18-24. ADULT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE AS WAS THE CASE IN THE 2021 CHNA, MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CONTINUE TO BE PRIORITIZED HEALTH NEEDS ACROSS THE STATE AND BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS' SERVICE AREA. ANY DISCUSSION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE DIVERSITY OF LIVED EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE REGION AND THIS SERVICE AREA. MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE CHALLENGES EMERGE IN VARIED CONTEXTS, FROM RURAL POVERTY AND ISOLATION TO DISCRIMINATION. AMONG PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY SURVEYED IN 2021 FOR THIS ASSESSMENT, 36% OF RESPONDENTS OVERALL LISTED MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE AS ONE OF THE MOST PRESSING HEALTH ISSUES IN THEIR COMMUNITY. A SUBSET OF THOSE RESPONDENTS ALSO CITED A SHORTAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES. THE STATEWIDE COVID-19 COMMUNITY IMPACT SURVEY (CCIS) CONDUCTED IN 2020 REPORTED THAT IN THE BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS SERVICE AREA, ONE IN THREE RESPONDENTS (33%) REPORTED 15 OR MORE POOR MENTAL HEALTH DAYS IN THE PAST 30 DAYS. THE RATE WAS 34% FOR RESPONDENTS THAT LIVED IN A RURAL AREA. THE QUESTION ON POOR MENTAL HEALTH DAYS IS A STANDARD ITEM FROM THE CDC BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES STRESS, DEPRESSION, AND PROBLEMS WITH EMOTIONS. MORE THAN ONE IN FOUR RESPONDENTS (27%) REPORTED EXPERIENCING THREE OR MORE POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)-LIKE REACTIONS TO THE PANDEMIC, WHICH INCLUDE NIGHTMARES, AVOIDANT BEHAVIORS, GUILT, ETC. AMONG BERKSHIRE COUNTY RESPONDENTS THAT USED ANY SUBSTANCE IN THE PAST 30 DAYS, 39% INCREASED THEIR SUBSTANCE USE COMPARED TO BEFORE THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC. BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS IS FOCUSED ON EXPANDING RESIDENTS' ACCESS TO CULTURALLY COMPETENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SERVICES AIMED AT HELPING PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, AND MAKING THEM READILY AVAILABLE TO THEM. CHRONIC CONDITIONS CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS REMAIN PRIORITIZED NEEDS. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD), CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, AND OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT ARE ALSO RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE - DIABETES AND OBESITY - ALSO SHOW DISPARITIES, WITH HIGHER RATES AMONG BLACK RESIDENTS. ANOTHER CHRONIC CONDITION, ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE, APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY COVID-19, WITH THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) REPORTING THAT THERE WERE 16% MORE DEATHS FROM THIS AND OTHER FORMS OF DEMENTIA IN 2020 COMPARED TO THE PRIOR FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE. CANCER HOSPITAL ADMISSION RATES DECREASED ACROSS THE SERVICE AREA. THE SERVICE AREA SAW AN INCREASE IN RESIDENTS AGED 65 AND OLDER LIVING IN THE AREA, AND ADVANCED AGE (65 AND OLDER) IS A RISK FACTOR FOR CANCER. ACCESS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND A HEALTHY DIET CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, AND YOUTH AND ADULTS ARE NOT GETTING THE RECOMMENDED INTAKE OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AND LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. BERKSHIRE COUNTY HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF PREMATURE DEATH UNDER AGE 75 IN MASSACHUSETTS, WITH BLACK RESIDENTS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY PREMATURE DEATH. HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS AFFORDABLE, ACCESSIBLE, AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING IS A KEY CONTRIBUTOR TO HEALTH, AND COVID-19 HAS CONTRIBUTED TO HOUSING CHALLENGES. SEVERAL KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS FOR THIS REPORT IDENTIFIED SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS ONE OF THE TOP HEALTH-RELATED CONCERNS. MORE THAN ONE IN FOUR (26%) OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SERVICE AREA QUALIFY AS HOUSING-COST BURDENED, MEANING THEY SPEND 30% OR MORE OF THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING (SEE FIGURE 24). UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING CORRELATES WITH A GREATER-THAN-AVERAGE PREVALENCE OF HOMELESSNESS - A SITUATION THAT HAS WORSENED OVER THE PAST DECADE. THE PANDEMIC HAS CORRELATED WITH A GENERAL INCREASE IN HOUSING PRICES THAT HAS MOVED HOMEOWNERSHIP - A COMMON VEHICLE FOR WEALTH-GENERATION - OUT OF REACH FOR MANY. THE SHORT-TERM MIGRATION OF NEW YORK AND BOSTON RESIDENTS TO THE COUNTY TO ESCAPE THE PANDEMIC FURTHER IMPACTED HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESS. A RECENT RISE IN INTEREST RATES HAS MADE HOMEOWNERSHIP EVEN LESS ATTAINABLE. TRANSPORTATION AFTER HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION WAS THE SECOND MOST PRESSING ISSUE IDENTIFIED BY KEY INFORMANTS AND PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY. RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION IS A CRITICAL PART OF DAILY LIFE, ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO GO TO WORK, TRAVEL TO THE GROCERY STORE, AND GET TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS. TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS IS A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT ISSUE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES, OLDER ADULTS, AND LIMITED-INCOME POPULATIONS. APPROXIMATELY ONE IN TEN (9%) OF SERVICE AREA RESIDENTS REPORT NOT HAVING ANY ACCESS TO A VEHICLE. THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EXACERBATED PROBLEMS OF ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION. ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, THE PRICE OF USED CARS INCREASED BY 41% IN THE 12 MONTHS BETWEEN JANUARY 2021 AND JANUARY 2022. FUEL COSTS HAVE INCREASED BY 47% OVER THE SAME INTERVAL. THIS MEANS THAT RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION HAS BECOME LESS AFFORDABLE FOR MANY. PRIORITY POPULATIONS THIS CHNA IDENTIFIED MANY INEQUITIES IN PRIORITIZED HEALTH NEEDS AMONG YOUTH, OLDER ADULTS, AND MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED INDIVIDUALS. ALSO, THOSE WHO ARE BLACK OR LATINO/A/E EXPERIENCE FURTHER INEQUITIES, AS THEY OR THEIR FAMILIES HAVE A LOWER MEDIAN INCOME THAN WHITE RESIDENTS, MAKING IT HARDER FOR THEM TO AFFORD BASIC NEEDS AND TO ACCESS QUALITY HEALTH CARE. THEY ALSO EXPERIENCE FRAGMENTATION OF CARE, INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMIC RACISM WITHIN HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS, AND LACK OF CARE THAT IS CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY APPROPRIATE. THE PANDEMIC EXACERBATED EXISTING INEQUITIES. THERE WERE HIGHER RATES OF INFECTION AND DEATH IN BERKSHIRE COUNTY RELATIVE TO SOME OF THE OTHER WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS COUNTIES. NATIONAL TRENDS INDICATE THAT OLDER ADULTS, COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, AND THOSE WITH LIMITED MEANS SUFFERED HIGHER RATES OF BOTH INFECTION AND DEATH. BASED ON NATIONAL STUDIES, THE PANDEMIC-INDUCED UPHEAVAL IN THE ECONOMY AND THE SHIFT TO REMOTE SCHOOLING DISPROPORTIONATELY HARMED WOMEN OF COLOR AND CAUSED DISRUPTIONS IN EDUCATION FOR YOUTH. THE PANDEMIC ALSO HAD SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH. LGBTQIA+ YOUTH, YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES, AND OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCED HIGH RATES OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DURING COVID-19 COMPARED TO OTHER GROUPS. MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCE COMPLEX HEALTH NEEDS THAT OFTEN HAVE ROOTS IN SYSTEMIC BARRIERS. THESE INCLUDE HIGH RATES OF SUBSTANCE USE, MENTAL ILLNESS, CHRONIC DISEASE, AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE - WHICH OFTEN CO-OCCUR. THIS POPULATION IS DISPROPORTIONATELY COMPOSED OF PEOPLE WITH LIMITED INCOMES, IMMIGRANTS, AND INDIVIDUALS OF COLOR. IMMIGRANTS WERE ALSO AT GREATER RISK FOR COVID-19 INFECTION AND DEATH. ADDITIONALLY, THEY FACE BARRIERS DUE TO THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH BEING AN IMMIGRANT, AND DISCRIMINATION IN ACCESSING HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT. IN SUM, FOR SO MANY FACETS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE, COVID-19 DEEPENED INEQUITIES. VIRTUALLY EVERY PRIORITIZED HEALTH NEED WAS AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC, AND PEOPLE WITH ONE OR MORE MARGINALIZED IDENTITIES OFTEN FELT THE COMPOUNDING EFFECTS. SCHEDULE H PART V SECTION B LINE 11 CHRONIC CONDTIONS & INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTINUED OBESITY - BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER HAS SEVERAL PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON REDUCING OBESITY AMONG BOTH YOUTH AND ADULT POPULATIONS. OPERATION BETTER START (OBS) IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM THAT WORKS WITH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN TO PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE AND EXERCISE PROGRAMS. OBS PARTNERS WITH LOCAL PEDIATRICIANS AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REACH AT-RISK YOUTH AND FAMILIES. BMC WELLNESS AT WORK PROVIDES LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH TARGETED WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYEES TO REDUCE OBESITY AND OTHER CO-MORBIDITIES. TOBACCO USE/ NICOTINE DEPENDENCE- THIS NEED IS ADDRESSED BY BMC THROUGH "HYPNOSIS FOR QUITTING SMOKING," BEAT THE PACK (OFFERED TO EMPLOYEES), TOBACCO CESSATION EDUCATION AND, REFERRALS TO OTHER TOBACCO CESSATION PROGRAMS. ADDITIONALLY, OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE ON THE FOREFRONT OF ADDRESSING THIS NEED INCLUDE: BERKSHIRE AHEC, TRI-TOWN HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MAKE SMOKING HISTORY THROUGH MASSACHUSETTS DPH, AND QUIT TO WIN THROUGH FALLON HEALTH. BMC REFERS TO THESE PROGRAMS FOR TOBACCO AND NICOTINE CESSATION EFFORTS. ACCESS TO CARE & CARE COORDINATION 1. ACCESS FOR UNDER AND UNINSURED - BMC'S ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS PROGRAM CONNECTS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY TO HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH MASSHEALTH AND OTHER PROGRAMS. 2. ENHANCING ACCESS AND THE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE - THE REGION'S SIGNIFICANT RELIANCE ON GOVERNMENT-REIMBURSED SERVICES CAN HAVE A DIRECT INFLUENCE ON LOCALLY AVAILABLE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. BHS CONTINUES TO FACE STAFFING CHALLENGES, LIKE THOSE EXPERIENCED ACROSS THE NATION AND IS EXPLORING CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS THAT CAN SIMULTANEOUSLY HELP TO REDUCE CLINICIAN SHORTAGES AND HELP TO RAISE MEDIAN INCOME LEVELS THROUGH STRONG EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR BERKSHIRE RESIDENTS. 3. BHS NURSE CALL LINE - THE NURSE CALL LINE HELPS PATIENTS DETERMINE WHERE THEY SHOULD GO FOR THEIR CARE-URGENT CARE, EMERGENCY CARE, PRIMARY CARE. NURSES HELP PATIENTS ON WARFARIN MANAGE THEIR MEDICATION IN COLLABORATION WITH THEIR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER AS WELL AS HELP PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES. SOCIAL ECONOMIC 1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/ ENGAGEMENT - BMC WORKS IN COLLABORATION WITH NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ON PROGRAMS THAT ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SOME OF OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE: NORTHERN BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COALITION, THE BERKSHIRE UNITED WAY, LOCAL SENIOR CENTERS, AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING LOCAL FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS, EMS PROVIDERS, REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMITTEES AND THE COUNTY BOARDS OF HEALTH ASSOCIATION, BHS HAS A COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM WORKS TO IMPROVE RESPONSE TO POTENTIAL COMMUNITY EMERGENCIES THROUGH REGULAR TABLETOP AND LIVE-ACTION DRILLS. BHS'S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS ALSO HAS PLANS IN PLACE FOR RESPONSE TO A WIDE VARIETY OF POTENTIAL EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING MASS CASUALTY, ELECTRICAL OUTAGES, FLOODING, SNOW/ICE STORM, AND MANY OTHERS. 2. HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES - BMC ACTIVELY WORKS TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EXPANDED ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE AND SPECIALTY SERVICES, RECRUITMENT OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WITH VARIED BACKGROUNDS AND LANGUAGE COMPETENCY, AND A DEDICATED TRANSLATION SERVICE THAT CAN PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH ACCESS TO CARE USING THEIR OWN LANGUAGE, WITH PROFESSIONAL HEALTH INTERPRETERS AND/OR ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC SERVICES THAT CAN PROVIDE INTERPRETATION. NUMEROUS COMMUNITY EFFORTS ARE ALSO USED TO REACH AS MANY AS POSSIBLE IN THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS THAT CAN HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS OVERCOME BARRIERS SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, FOOD INSECURITY, HOUSING, TELEPHONE ACCESS, AND MUCH MORE. 3. MATERNAL/CHILD HEALTH - BMC HAS NUMEROUS PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO AID NEW MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS IN ATTAINING OPTIMAL HEALTH DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY, INCLUDING PRE-NATAL CLASSES AND CLASSES FOR NEW PARENTS. IN ADDITION, THE BERKSHIRE NORTH WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAM, OPERATED BY BMC, PROVIDES ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL SERVICES AND HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS, AND OPERATION BETTER START PROVIDES FAMILY SERVICES THAT CAN HELP THE NEWBORN AND FAMILY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. 4. SAFETY/ VIOLENCE PREVENTION -BMC SECURITY COLLABORATES WITH MANY COMMUNITY AGENCIES ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT AND WORKS REGULARLY WITH AREA POLICE DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS THE BERKSHIRE COUNTY HOUSE OF CORRECTION TO ENSURE SAFETY OF THE HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. 5. SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH- BMC UNDERSTANDS THAT SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, FOOD SECURITY, TRANSPORTATION AND SOCIAL PROTECTIVE FACTORS, ALL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING OF THE POPULATION, INCLUDING THE CIRCUMSTANCES PEOPLE FIND THEMSELVES IN, AND IN MANY CASES THE LIFE CHOICES THEY MAKE OR ARE FORCED TO MAKE DUE TO SOCIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. MANY OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY'S COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB AT ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS ALREADY. BMC COLLABORATES WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS AND MAINTAINS PARTNERSHIP TO FURTHER REDUCE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH BARRIERS. 6. ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH PREGNANCY - BERKSHIRE UNITED WAY TAKES THE LEAD ON EFFORTS TO PROVIDE INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO YOUTH AND ADOLESCENTS TO REDUCE THE RATE OF PREGNANCY IN TEENS. BMC WORKS IN COLLABORATION WITH THIS COMMUNITY PARTNER BY PARTICIPATING ON COMMITTEES, SHARING DATA, AND RESOURCES. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 1. ACCESS TO MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS - BMC HAS AN INTENSIVE PHYSICIAN AND PROVIDER RECRUITMENT PROGRAM, WHICH HAS SUCCEEDED IN SEVERAL PROFESSIONALS TO THE REGION YEARLY, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS OF CRITICAL NEED, SUCH AS: PRIMARY CARE, NEUROSURGERY, RADIOLOGY, AND NEUROLOGY, ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY, ENDOCRINOLOGY, AND OTHERS. THIS INCLUDES NOT ONLY PHYSICIANS, BUT ALSO NURSE PRACTITIONERS AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS. 2. TRAININGS FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, ALLIED HEALTHCARE WORKERS, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS- BMC SUPPORTS ITS EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN APPLICABLE AREAS, EXAMPLES OF THESE TRAININGS INCLUDE BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY, COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER CERTIFICATION, MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID, MEDICAL ASSISTANT TRAINING, PHLEBOTOMY CERTIFICATION ETC. BY INVESTING IN OUR EMPLOYEES AND SUPPORTING OUR PARTNERS WE CAN BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY AT LARGE. 3. CAREER PATHWAYS - BMC IS PROUD TO INVEST IN AND CULTIVATE CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAMS, OFFERING PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WHERE PROFESSIONALS ARE ABLE TO LEARN VALUABLE SKILLS, EARN CERTIFICATIONS, AND FAST-TRACK PROGRESS TOWARD A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE. CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAMS ARE PAID EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO FOSTER A TALENTED, DIVERSE WORKFORCE BY BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS THAT HAVE TRADITIONALLY PREVENTED MANY INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN HEALTHCARE FROM JOINING OUR WORKFORCE. BMC IS SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON BUILDING PATHWAYS TO THE MOST IMMEDIATELY NEEDED ROLES: NURSING ASSISTANTS, MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES, AND REGISTERED NURSES. THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH PAID IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS LIKE BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND MCCANN TECHNICAL SCHOOL. IN 2023, THE SYSTEM ANNOUNCED A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, HELPING LAUNCH A 4-YEAR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM, DESIGNED TO HELP GROW THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE BERKSHIRES. 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