Board of Health / Health Department
Mission Statement
To protect and promote the health, the environment and the well-being of the Town of Ashland residents and visitors.
Services
The Ashland Health Department offers a wide variety of services for the Town of Ashland. The services range from a multitude of various inspections, vaccinations, communicable disease investigations, educational materials, training opportunities, emergency preparedness and staff assistance.
Responsibilities
The Health Department runs the day-to-day operations of the office, while the Board of Health acts as the policy makers. Under the guidance of the board, the department is responsible to carry out and enforce public health policies; local, state and federal laws and regulations in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of our residents, visitors and the environment.
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The Ashland Health Department has moved to OpenGov for all of your permitting needs:
Sign Up for OpenGov HERE!
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Kratom
The Board of Health is reviewing a proposed Kratom Regulation.
The Draft Regulation can be found HERE.
Additional information can also be found HERE.
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A Wellness Article from our Shared Services Department regarding Safe Sharps Disposal:
A Health Department Guide to Protecting the People and the Environment
By: Thalita Campelo, MetroWest Shared Public Health Services
Sharps, such as needles, syringes, and lancets, are essential tools in medical treatments, but their improper disposal poses significant risks to people and the environment. Safe disposal practices are crucial to prevent injuries, infections, the spread of diseases and environmental contamination.
Improper disposal of sharps can lead to needlestick injuries. These injuries pose significant risks of transmitting bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Such incidents can happen during routine waste/trash collection and affect not only waste management workers, but also members of the public who might come into contact with discarded sharps – especially when discarded sharps are left in public spaces.
Another important reason to dispose of sharps properly is to protect our environment. When sharps are thrown into regular trash, they can end up in landfills. Over time, this can lead to environmental contamination, especially if sharps break down or release harmful substances.
Improperly discarded sharps can also end up in bodies of water, where they can leak toxic substances and affect aquatic life. This contamination can ultimately disrupt ecosystems and harm wildlife.
Before discarding of sharps, take a look at the following steps to ensure that you are doing so safely and properly:
Steps for Safe Disposal
1. Use a Proper Sharps Container: Always place sharps in a designated sharps container. These containers are specifically designed to be puncture-proof and are essential for safe disposal. Sharps containers can be purchased from local pharmacies, medical supply stores, or online. If cost is a concern, many health departments and pharmacies offer free or low-cost sharps containers. If you do not have access to an FDA approved sharps container, you can make one at home. Use an empty household container with the following features and proceed with the following steps:
2. Do Not Overfill: Ensure the sharps container is not overfilled. Remember to dispose of the sharps container when it is ⅔ full or follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the maximum fill level. Overfilled containers are more dangerous and may not be handled properly.
3. Seal the Container: Once your sharps container is full, seal it tightly (if using a designated sharps container, fill according to the manufacturer’s instructions). If you are using a household container, make sure to seal the lid with strong, durable tape such as duct tape. This prevents any sharps from escaping and minimizes the risk of injury during handling and transport.
4. Disposal Locations: The Department of Public Works / Ashland Board of Health has two sharps disposal kiosks in town; one is located at the Community Center and the other is located at Town Hall.
We encourage community members to stay informed about proper sharps disposal practices.
Proper disposal of sharps is a critical aspect of public health and environmental protection. By following these guidelines and utilizing local resources, you can help prevent injuries, protect your community, and preserve the environment. Together, we can make our community safer and healthier.
Please feel free to reach out to Ashland Board of Health at 508-532-7922 if you have any questions or concerns.