Ashland Board of Health names two recipients of Mary Mortensen Public Health Award

The Ashland Board of Health voted unanimously on June 16 to present the 2026 Mary Mortensen Public Health Award to Kirsten Quern and Amy Turncliff. The Board debated whether the award could be given to more than one person and, after hearing from Susan Robie of the Mortensen family, approved two recipients.

"My mother believed strongly in volunteerism," Susan Robie said, urging the Board to emphasize voluntary community service in selecting winners. Board members noted Quern was nominated last year and that Turncliff has a long record of community work. John Byrnes moved to present the award to two individuals; Maurice Krasner seconded. The motion passed by roll-call vote, 5-0-0. David Kinsman then moved to name Kirsten Quern and Amy Turncliff as the winners for 2026; the motion was seconded and also passed 5-0-0.

Board members agreed to hold the presentation at the next meeting and to coordinate timing with the Mortensen family. Byrnes suggested future nomination materials clarify that volunteerism is a core component of the award; Burman offered to work with Robie on refining the award requirements. No additional formal actions were recorded beyond the motions to present and to name the recipients.