Board of Health

For all information regarding board polices, regulations, licenses, applications, etc.

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

If you would like to contact the Board, please use this email address: health@town.harwich.ma.us

Board Members

Name Title
Pamela Howell, R.N. Vice Chair (June 2024)
Ron Dowgiallo, D.M.D Member (June 2025)
Sharon Pfleger, MS Chair (June 2025)
Matt Antoine Member (June 2026)
Kevin DuPont, R.N. Member (June 2026)
Michael D. MacAskill Select Board's Liaison