Menu Close

Board of Health

Overview Public Health Services & Programs

The Health Department works with community partners and regional organizations to provide services and resources to Ludlow residents.

Examples of current public health activities include:

Public Health Nursing

The Health Department provides public health nursing services and resources to support the health of the community.

Substance Use Prevention & Resources

The Town provides information and connections to local and regional substance-use prevention, treatment, recovery, and family-support resources.

The Health Department’s resources include information regarding local recovery meetings and organizations serving individuals and families affected by substance use.

Sharps Disposal

The Health Department participates in programs providing residents with access to sharps containers and disposal services.

Recent Board discussions included the Town’s sharps-disposal program, its partnership with Tapestry, and the use of opioid settlement funding to support additional containers and public health outreach.


Public Health Regulations

The Board of Health is responsible for enforcing a variety of state and local health regulations.

State Sanitary Code

The Massachusetts State Sanitary Code establishes minimum public health standards that municipalities and property owners must follow.

Housing

The Board may address housing conditions that present health or sanitary concerns and enforce applicable requirements.

Food Establishments

Restaurants, food establishments, and other regulated food operations are subject to applicable public health and food-safety requirements.

Youth Tobacco Access

The Board enforces applicable laws and regulations concerning the sale and access of tobacco products and related products to minors.

Title 5

Massachusetts Title 5 establishes requirements for septic systems and private sewage disposal systems.

Residents considering septic-system work, property transfers, or other activities regulated under Title 5 should contact the Health Department for applicable requirements before beginning work.


Board Members

The current Board of Health members listed by the Town are:

PositionMemberTerm Expires
ChairpersonKelly LamasMarch 2027
SecretaryAntonio TavaresMarch 2028
MemberLauren YelinekMarch 2029

The Town’s elected-officials page also identifies the Board of Health as an elected municipal body.

Membership and term information should be updated as elections and appointments change.


Meetings

Board of Health meetings are posted on the Town’s official calendar and document center.

Recent 2026 meetings have been held at Ludlow Town Hall, including meetings in the 1st Floor Hearing Room and 3rd Floor Conference Room. Meeting times have varied, with recent meetings beginning at 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.

Because the meeting schedule and meeting location can change, residents should check the individual meeting notice for the current date, time, and location.

Meeting Location

Ludlow Town Hall
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056


Agendas & Minutes

Residents can review Board of Health agendas and approved meeting minutes through the Town’s document center.

The Town maintains dedicated Board of Health records for 2026, 2025, 2024, and prior years. Current 2026 records include agendas and minutes from meetings throughout the year.


Public Participation

Board of Health meetings are public meetings and are posted in accordance with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.

Residents who wish to follow the Board’s work can attend meetings, review meeting agendas and minutes, and contact the Health Department regarding public health questions or concerns.

For matters requiring Board action, residents should review the posted agenda and any applicable public hearing information.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Board of Health and the Health Department?

The Board of Health is the Town’s governing public health body responsible for oversight and enforcement of applicable public health regulations.

The Health Department carries out public health programs, services, inspections, education, and other operational functions under the Board’s guidance.

What types of issues should I contact the Health Department about?

Residents should contact the Health Department with questions or concerns involving public health, sanitation, food establishments, housing conditions, Title 5, environmental health, and other matters under the Health Department’s jurisdiction.

Where can I find health forms and permits?

Health-related forms, permits, applications, and additional information are available through the Health Department.

Where can I find Board of Health meeting minutes?

Meeting agendas and minutes are available through the Town’s online document center.

Can I attend a Board of Health meeting?

Yes. Board of Health meetings are public meetings. Residents are welcome to attend and observe the Board’s proceedings.


Contact the Board of Health

Board of Health

Ludlow Town Hall – 1st Floor
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056

Phone: (413) 583-5600, Ext. 1271
Fax: (413) 583-5689
Email: health@ludlow.ma.us