NBH - Community Education

REACH for Community Health is the health education arm of Northern Berkshire Healthcare. REACH is dedicated to improving the health of residents of Northern Berkshire County, located in the northwestern corner of Massachusetts. REACH accomplishes this through an array of initiatives in disease prevention, health education, health promotion activities and various health screenings.

Through active collaboration both with the broader community and within Northern Berkshire Healthcare, REACH moves the community toward a greater awareness of health and toward achieving a healthier community in which to live.

REACH oversees the following important public health initiatives:

Get Fit: promotes physical fitness and good nutrition as a way to reduce the obesity crisis and lower rates of preventable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The program includes community walking programs, public education, special events, nutrition and fitness programs in schools, senior lifestyle initiatives and advocacy for a healthier lifestyle.

REACH for Breast Health: promotes preventive screening and offers care navigation, education, and support services for women diagnosed with breast cancer and other cancers.

Tobacco Cessation Programs: includes community classes for tobacco cessation, and a program that assists pregnant women and women in the childbearing years in quitting, as well as tobacco use prevention programming in school and community settings.

Horizon: provides education and support services for caregivers of elders and others in need. Horizon also sponsors the Caregiver Lending Library of books and videos housed at the Milne Public Library in Williamstown.