While state and federal lawmakers work to restore emergency services following the Friday closure of North Adams Regional Hospital, community members continue to gather, voicing their need of a healthcare facility in the region.
More than 100 people met at the American Legion in North Adams Tuesday night to hear updates on the progress of restoring services at the hospital from state lawmakers and healthcare union officials. People also pledged their support to the former 530 employees of North Berkshire Healthcare. Michele Marquis worked as a respiratory therapist for 36 years at the hospital.
“We’re used to taking care of people and now we’re being supported and taken care of,” Marquis said. “It’s very humbling and very emotional.”
The crowd gave rousing applause to Democratic State Senator Ben Downing of Pittsfield for his work as well as for representatives of the area’s federal delegation.