Berkshire Overdose Addiction Prevention Collaborative

06/17/2026

Boost your business with a Recovery Ready Workplace! 🚀 Enjoy increased employee retention, a healthier work environment, and lower healthcare costs. Each dollar spent on SUD treatment saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in law enforcement costs. Is your business ready to shine as a supportive and accountable organization?

06/16/2026

See you on Wednesday morning!

DPI Community Coffee Chat
Wednesday, June 17, DROP-IN from 8 to 9:30 am
Outside on Dunham Mall, 100 North Street

Topic:
Bridging Support: Conversations on Substance Use, Mental Health and Local Business

Hosts:
Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative
Rebecca Brien, DPI
Maru Dominguez, TDI

Join Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI) and the Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC) for a morning coffee and conversation on Wednesday, June 17 from 8–9:30 am in Dunham Mall. This informal session brings together downtown businesses with local substance use and mental health providers for two-way dialogue on practical strategies, available supports, and how we can further strengthen our downtown as a welcoming and recovery-ready environment for all. Stop by anytime to ask questions, exchange ideas, connect with local providers, and get familiar with tools and resources to better support your staff, customers, and workplace.

Open to representatives from small businesses and nonprofits in Pittsfield. Coffee and a light breakfast provided.

Questions? Contact Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at [email protected] or call 413-443-6501

Registration deadline is Tuesday, June 16 at 12 pm. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/pyfnP2f6J7Lxqe5XA

Registration is not required but is appreciated!

06/15/2026

Addiction impacts nearly every workplace in some way. Did you know?

One in 12 U.S. workers are dealing with an untreated substance use disorder (SUD) like alcohol or opioid addiction. This is very costly for employers—workers with untreated SUDs miss around two weeks more of work each year than typical workers and are more likely to get hurt at work or leave their job.
Alcohol misuse alone is responsible for $74 billion per year in lost work productivity in the U.S. By acknowledging and openly addressing the topic of addiction, an employer creates a safe environment for people with SUDs to get help for their addiction without the fear of discrimination and they are showing people in recovery that they are valued and supported.

06/13/2026

Approximately 5% to 10% of the general population struggles with alcohol dependency. LGBTQ+ Rate is estimated to be 20% to 25%. As you celebrate PRIDE remember that can Cheer without the Cheers! Check out some recipes here. https://www.sparkberkshires.org/0-proof

06/13/2026

Exciting news!!!! Casting call!!!

Living in Recovery is creating a powerful stage production to raise awareness about addiction, recovery, the opioid epidemic, and the stigma that keeps people silent — and we need YOU.

No acting experience needed. Just your story, your voice, and your willingness to be part of something real.

We are looking for people with lived experience, family members, allies, and community members who want to help shape an authentic production that sparks conversation, compassion, and hope.

✨ Auditions:
• Sunday, June 28th at 11 AM
• Saturday, July 11th at 1 PM

✨ Interviews and story gathering for script development will take place September–December, followed by rehearsals beginning in early 2026.

Together, we can turn pain into purpose and shine a light on recovery.

Reach out to sign up or for more information

06/13/2026

Celebrating Pride! Live your best life. Berkshire Pride Have Hope Peer Recovery Center

06/12/2026

Thank you North Adams City HallNorth Adams Police Department, MassachusettsNorth Adams Tourism for keeping the party going!

06/11/2026

"We aren't bad people. We have a bad disease." How do we shift the conversation from choices and morals to the impact of disease and societal disadvantages?

06/07/2026

Join us for a training with Dr. Jennifer Michaels, (MD FASAM), Psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Brien Center, on the neuroscience of addiction and treatment options.

Into Light: Foundations and Frontiers of Compassionate Addiction Treatment

Wednesday June 24th, 2026- 6pm-7:30pm
Hotel Downstreet
40 Main Street, North Adams

The event is FREE and open to the public, though registration is required. Individuals can register at our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/compassionate-addiction-treatment-tickets-1990880320632?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attendees are invited to arrive 6pm-6:30pm to Experience the Into Light Project (Does NOT count towards 1 hour of CE time).

Dr. Michaels’ presentation is 6:30-7:30pm and provides 1 hour of CE credit time.

Dr. Michaels will provide education about the disease of addiction, evidence-based care, stigma-reducing strategies, and areas of treatment research.

1 hour of CE credits are available through Berkshire AHEC, see details below.

MA Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor: This course has been approved by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services/LADC Unit for 1 contact hours for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors and Assistants.

MA Nursing: Program meets the requirements for nursing contact hours as specified by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing 244 CMR 5.04.

Social Worker: Application for Social Worker continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact Berkshire AHEC at 413-842-5160 for the status of Social Worker CE accreditation.

MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor: Application for MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact Berkshire AHEC at 413-842-5160 for the status of MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor CE accreditation.

Understand the neuroscience of addiction and explore compassionate treatment options.

06/06/2026

Oh, what a night!! Fantastic evening out on the streets for First Fridays at Five, talking youth mental health, supporting families, and... and what's with that door? More to come...

And huge thanks to Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., Barrington Stage Company, City Hall - City of Pittsfield, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Berkshire County Kids' Place, Berkshire District Attorney's Office and so many others!