Mortensen AwardMortensen Public Health Award
The Mary Mortensen award was created in honor of Ashland resident, and longtime Board of Health Member, Mary “Penny” Mortensen. Mary Mortensen was instrumental in the implementation of many Board of Health regulations. This year commemorates the ninth year of the Award.
Congratulations to this year’s Mary Mortensen Award Recipients Amy Turncliff and Kirsten Quern!
Kirsten Quern, Mental Health Clinician with the Ashland Police Department’s Jail Diversion Program. Kirsten works side-by-side with our officers, providing critical support during calls involving mental health crises, substance use, and domestic violence. Her compassion, professionalism, and ability to connect people with resources have made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless residents. Beyond her work with the Police Department, Kirsten is a familiar and trusted presence in the Ashland Public Schools, supporting students, families, and staff. Her dedication to helping others and strengthening our community embodies the spirit of this award.
Congratulations to Amy Turncliff for her years of leadership and commitment to public health spanning more than a decade and continues to today. She served as Coalition Chair of Decision’s at Every Turn through the coalition’s founding era and under her chairmanship DAET secured two consecutive five-year Drug Free Community awards. Amy has convened DAET annual retreats, led cross-board coordination with the Board of Health and Ashland Public Schools an partnered with Tufts University & MetroWest Substance Abuse Prevention to bring research grade thinking to local policy.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!