Health

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Go to the Board of Health Website (click here)

Mission Statement

The Harwich Department of Health and the Harwich Board of Health take their authority from the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.), the code of Massachusetts Regulations (C.M.R.) and the Town of Harwich By-laws, and Regulations. Our primary goal is the protection and improvement of the public health for the people of Harwich. 

Responsibilities

The Health Department and the Board of Health are two distinct but inter-connected entities. The Health Department is a professionally staffed department with a Director, Administrative Assistant and health inspectors. The Board of Health is a statutory board comprised of five members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term. One member of the Board of Health should be a physician or a person with a background in healthcare, and one person is elected annual to serve as the Chairperson. The Board sets the town-wide policies, and the Health Department handles the day-to-day operations and executes the various health laws and regulations. 

Key Activities

Policies and Procedures-research, planning, evaluation and developing programs, policies and procedures

Permitting and inspection of septic systems for compliance with Title 5

Licensing and inspection of restaurants, inns, motels, pools, beaches, recreational camps, tanning and body art facilities

Environmental compliance investigation and enforcement

Food safety investigation and enforcement

Housing code inspection and enforcement

Building, zoning and Planning Board application review and comment

Public Health emergency planning

Communicable disease reporting and follow-up

Sponsoring Public Health Clinics

Tobacco Control

Horse stable licensing and barn inspections

Education and consultation

Nuisance investigation and enforcement

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Carrie Schoener, R.S., C.H.O. Health Director
Meredith Ballinger Senior Health Agent
Jennifer Singleton Health Inspector
Stephanie Johnson Executive Assistant