What can local professionals do?
In this training, we focus on addressing stigma in addiction recovery; share the latest information about Substance Use Disorder; the principles, benefits and strategies of Harm Reduction; and connect professionals in the health and social services fields to addiction recovery resources within our community.
Those trying to make a difference in hard-hit rural communities like Berkshire County have recognized that collaboration is key to helping solve this crisis. In 2021 Berkshire Community College (BCC) began offering a series of training sessions designed for healthcare and social services professionals working in Berkshire County. Our program continues on with support from Mass Hire and a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant awarded to Rural Recovery Resources, a project created by the South Berkshire Opioid Consortium (SBOC). The SBOC consists of partners at: BCC, Brien Center, Fairview Hospital, Railroad Street Youth Project and Rural Recovery Resources. Please contact us to learn more communityed@berkshirecc.edu.
The BCC training curriculum focuses on increasing knowledge and awareness of substance use disorders. Practitioners in these sessions address:
- Reducing stigma;
- Helping to provide better screening, assessment, and referral services in The Berkshires;
- Cultivating an attitude of hope and curiosity;
- Exploring how addiction is more than just drug use; and
- Investigating multiple pathways to change.
BCC faculty member Kari Dupuis and Sarah DeJesus invite us into the process of working together as a community to challenge misinformation and stigma.
Key initiative: This curriculum was created to improve the lives of those affected by substance use, help us reduce compassion fatigue in the workforce, and assist us as we move toward providing more equitable treatment. A HRSA grant and support from MassHire made these sessions possible.
Key programming: Through our healthcare partnerships, BCC is also working to train frontline health care providers as Phlebotomy Technicians, Community Health Workers and we also offer an Addiction Recovery Assistant certificate.
Recovery Resource Training
Foundations of Substance Use and Harm Reduction
Local professionals: Stipend* for this eight-hour training is $200 (*offered to qualifying participants through MassHire).
When and Where
April 25, 2023, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
St. James Church
Great Barrington, MA
or via Zoom
Contact Us
Community Education and Workforce Development
communityed@berkshirecc.edu
1350 West Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
