FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
Contact:
Betsy Strickler
413-347-6004
betsystrickler1@gmail.com
PITTSFIELD, MA— Effective Friday, August 28, 2026, Massachusetts has temporarily placed Kratom into Schedule I for one year while additional study and evaluation occur. Under this temporary order, retailers may not display, sell, or distribute Kratom products, though they may store them out of sight. Local Boards of Health hold discretion on determining municipal enforcement.
To address these changes and discuss community impacts, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Berkshire Public Health Alliance, and Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative are hosting a community forum on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event will take place in person at the Berkshire Innovation Center (45 Woodlawn Avenue, Pittsfield, MA) and virtually via Zoom.
The event begins with welcoming remarks from District Attorney Shugrue, followed by a presentation from Dr. Jennifer Michaels, Medical Director at The Brien Center, on Kratom fundamentals and local treatment and recovery resources. Attendees will also hear state and regional perspectives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards, followed by a collaborative cross-sector discussion on prevention and recovery strategies.
To RSVP or to receive Zoom meeting information, please email Stacy Parsons at Stacy.Parsons@mass.gov.
For additional state background, regulatory documentation, and health guidance, visit mass.gov/info-details/kratom
About Berkshire District Attorney’s Office (BDAO):
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office serves Berkshire County through its commitment to public safety, victim services, prevention, and community engagement. In addition to its prosecutorial responsibilities, the Office works closely with schools, healthcare providers, public health agencies, municipalities, and community organizations to support education, diversion, treatment, recovery, and prevention initiatives. Through collaborative partnerships, the Office seeks to address the underlying factors that contribute to substance use and other community challenges while promoting healthier and safer communities for all.
About Berkshire Public Health Alliance (BPHA)
The Berkshire Public Health Alliance (BPHA) is a shared services public health program serving Berkshire County municipalities. BPHA supports local boards of health and health departments through regional collaboration, workforce development, environmental health services, health promotion, and policy implementation. BPHA works to strengthen local public health capacity and improve health outcomes across the region.
About Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative (SBPHC)
The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative (SBPHC) is a partnership of southern Berkshire County communities that provides shared public health services and resources to participating municipalities. Through regional collaboration, SBPHC supports local boards of health, environmental health, community education, and health promotion initiatives that improve the health and well-being of area residents
About Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC):
The mission of the Berkshire Overdose and Addiction Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC) is to collectively implement local policy, practice, systems, and/or environmental changes to reduce harms from opioid and stimulant use, and to prevent substance-related deaths and harmful impacts throughout the 32 municipalities in Berkshire County. BOAPC provides an engaging space for cross-sector partners to work together to identify needs in the community and implement solutions.
About Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC):
BRPC is the regional planning agency for Berkshire County, Massachusetts, providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities, which include land use, transportation, community and economic development, housing, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and works to increase coordination between all levels of government.