Panel to focus on the Future of Health Care and the Economy in Northern Berkshire County.

When:      Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: American Legion Post 125, 91 American Legion Drive, North Adams, MA

What: “Healthcare & the Road to a Healthy Economy,” hosted by the North County Cares Coalition

Since the former North Adams Regional Hospital abruptly closed on March 28, 2014, residents in Northern Berkshire County have been anxiously awaiting answers about the future of the region’s health care and its economy. On Tuesday night, for the first time since the closure, residents will have a chance to hear from candidates in a mayoral election. Richard Alcombright, John Barrett III and Eric Rudd will take questions from a panel of residents and from the audience during a forum moderated by Adams Town Moderator Ed Driscoll.

When the hospital shut down last year, its closure sent ripples throughout the region. More than 37,000 people lost access to a full-service hospital, hundreds lost their jobs and dozens of businesses were negatively impacted. Join us Tuesday night to learn how the candidates plan to lead Northern Berkshire County residents to a healthy and prosperous future.

The North County Cares Coalition is an alliance of concerned residents, health and community advocates that was formed last year to restore inpatient beds at what is now the Northern Berkshire Campus of Berkshire Medical Center. We want a real hospital in Northern Berkshire County.