Overview and Member Responsibilities
The Ludlow Board of Health is composed of three (3) elected members who each serve a three-year term. Members are elected directly by the voters of Ludlow and meet at least once monthly. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed to address time-sensitive public health matters.
Acting under the authority granted by Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.) Chapter 111, Section 31, the Board of Health develops, implements, and enforces local health regulations, oversees environmental health inspections to maintain minimum sanitation standards for housing and food establishments, and ensures that the safety and basic public health needs of the community are met.
Member Responsibilities:
The Ludlow Board of Health’s duties include, but are not limited to:
- Regulation and Policy
- Adopt, promulgate, amend, and repeal local public health regulations.
- Hear appeals, variances, or waiver requests related to state or local public health regulations.
- Set fees for public health permits and services.
- Act as the licensing authority for all public health permits and licenses issued by the Town.
- Fiscal Oversight
- Approve the Health Department’s annual budget and provide fiduciary oversight of funding and expenditures.
- Leadership and Advocacy
- Advocate for public health initiatives and resources within the Town.
- Provide strategic leadership to the Health Department by:
- Establishing short- and long-term goals and setting policies to achieve them.
- Conducting regular evaluations of programs and resources provided.
- Supporting the Public Health Director and other staff in decisions and actions consistent with Board policies and Commonwealth public health standards.
Time Commitment:
Board members should expect to attend a minimum of one regular meeting per month, with additional meetings or hearings scheduled as needed. Members may also be required to review materials in advance, participate in public hearings, and represent the Board in various community or interagency forums.
Who Should Apply:
We welcome Ludlow residents with an interest or background in public health, environmental health, or community wellness. Ideal candidates are committed to safeguarding public health standards, reviewing and developing health policies, and supporting programs that improve the well-being of our community. Members must be able to attend monthly meetings (with occasional additional sessions) and work collaboratively with town officials and the Health Department. Prior experience in public health, health care, environmental regulation, or community health planning is helpful but not required.