Board of Health

About the Board

The Board of Health is comprised of 5 members elected for terms of 3 years each.

The Board of Health:

Develops policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.

Diagnoses and investigates health problems and health hazards in the community.

Enforces laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.

Informs, educates and empowers people about health issues.

Links people with needed personal health services and assures the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.

Mobilizes community partnerships to identify and solve health problems.

Monitors health status to identify community health problems.

Environmental Health

This section of the Board of Health works to protect the community from any chemical, physical or biological agent that could adversely affect the health of the citizens of Ashland. The Food Inspector conducts routine inspections of all licensed food-related businesses to ensure that the food supply is wholesome, stored, prepared and displayed in accordance with the Massachusetts Food Code. These inspections, plus follow-up inspections, are conducted twice per year in every establishment. In addition, the Health Agent conducts inspections of swimming pools, recreational camps, tanning facilities, body art establishments, and other licensed activities.

The Board of Health inspects, by complaint only, residential dwellings and dwelling units in the Town for compliance with Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code. The Health Agent/Director is strongly involved with the soil testing, plan approval and installation of septic systems and private wells in Ashland. Lead paint determinations are also done by this Department. The Health Agent/Director also responds to complaints regarding air, water, or other types of environmental pollution. The environmental health staff also provides health educational activities for the Town.

Mosquito Control

The Town of Ashland belongs to the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) based in Northborough. Central Mass Mosquito Control Project provides the Town with a comprehensive mosquito control program which includes ditch maintenance, flood control, mosquito surveillance, destruction of mosquito larvae and adult mosquito control. To inquire about mosquito control you may contact the Board of Health office or contact Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project directly at 508-393-3055, or visit their website.