Strengthening Primary Care
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Building Access for the Future
For many Berkshire County residents, finding a primary care provider has become increasingly difficult. What was once a routine first step in managing health is now a growing challenge facing communities across Massachusetts and the nation. Through the Healthier Together Campaign, Berkshire Health Systems is investing in new models of care, workforce development, and innovative solutions that expand access to primary care and strengthen the health of our community for years to come.
Primary care is the foundation of a person's health journey. It is often the first point of contact for preventive care, routine checkups, chronic disease management, health screenings, and referrals to specialists when needed. Communities with strong access to primary care experience better health outcomes and reduced reliance on emergency services.
How the Campaign Will Help
- Recruit primary care clinicians through targeted incentives and marketing
- Expand team-based care led by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants
- Add two primary care residents each year through the Internal Medicine Residency Program
- Launch a structured residency and mentorship program for advanced practice providers
Expected impact: At full scale, this local workforce pipeline is expected to support care for approximately 6,000 new patients beginning in 2027.
Help create reliable, coordinated primary care access across the Berkshires.
Why This Matters
Across our region, the shortage of primary care providers is becoming a critical barrier to health. As our population ages, the demand for consistent, preventative care continues to rise, yet many residents find themselves waiting months for an appointment or traveling long distances to secure basic medical attention.
Delayed access leads to missed screenings, poorly managed chronic conditions, and increased reliance on emergency services. By strengthening our primary care network today, we ensure every member of our community has a dedicated partner in health to prevent the complications of tomorrow.
What Your Support Will Help Deliver
Team-Based Care Models
Investing in physician-led teams that include nurse practitioners and assistants to expand patient capacity.
Internal Medicine Expansion
Adding two primary care residents each year to the Internal Medicine Residency Program for local pipeline growth.
Education & Training
Funding continuous medical education and specialized training programs for the next generation of caregivers.
New Technologies
Implementing virtual care tools and advanced diagnostic technologies to streamline patient processes.
APP Residency Program
Launching a structured residency and mentorship program specifically for advanced practice providers.
Improved Navigation Tools
Developing better systems to help patients find the right care at the right time without delays.
Building the Workforce Our Community Needs
To address the healthcare provider shortage, we are developing local workforce pathways that draw talent to the Berkshires. By investing in education and residency programs, we ensure that the next generation of physicians and advanced practice providers are trained within our unique community setting.
Our collaborative care models integrate specialized training with real-world practice, fostering an environment where clinical excellence and community-focused medicine thrive together. This investment builds a sustainable foundation for reliable primary care access for years to come.
APP Residency Program - New 2026
"I was really worried about becoming a new provider and not having a mentor to follow. Finding a residency program meant I wouldn’t be thrown into seeing patients on my own without someone I could go to with questions or concerns."
Ashley Wrzesinski, FNP-BC
"A residency program is designed specifically for the next level of support. I was really craving mentorship and more in-depth learning experiences in specialty areas, because primary care has a little bit of everything"
Gabriel Trilling, NP
Improving Access Today and Tomorrow
We are transforming the patient experience through immediate improvements in virtual care, allowing you to connect with your provider from the comfort of home. By building expanded, multi-disciplinary care teams and streamlining our internal processes, we are ensuring that every resident has a clear, quick path to the care they need.
Our commitment extends beyond today. Through these sustainable investments, we are creating a resilient healthcare infrastructure that adapts to our community’s needs for decades to come.
“BHS has a unique responsibility for the health and wellness of the whole county, which starts with access to primary care. I am supporting work to expand and improve these services in the Berkshires, and I want my gift to be a challenge for others to join me in supporting this effort.”
– Martin Messinger
The Impact of Giving
Your philanthropic investment in primary care is a catalyst for lasting change. By supporting the Healthier Together Campaign, you are helping us transform patient lives and build a more resilient healthcare system for all residents of Berkshire County. Gifts to this initiative shorten wait times for appointments, strengthen the patient-provider relationship, and ensure that secondary health concerns are addressed before they become emergencies. Together, we are building a healthier community today and for generations to come.