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 implementing many Board of Health regulations. This year commemorates the ninth year of the Award.

This year it was awarded to two Ashland residents, Amy Turncliff and Kirsten Quern.

Amy Turncliff’s contribution to Ashland’s public health spans more than a decade and continues to today. She served as Coalition Chair of Decisions 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, and partnered with Tufts University & MetroWest Substance Abuse Prevention to bring research-grade thinking to local policy.

Kirsten Quern is a Mental Health Clinician with the Ashland Police Department’s Jail Diversion Program. Kirsten works alongside officers responding to calls involving mental health crises, substance abuse, and domestic violence - she is the compassionate bridge between police officers and those in crisis. She is also a consistent presence in Ashland Public Schools supporting students, staff, and families.

Thank you to Amy and Kirsten for all the work you have done and continue to do for Ashland’s Public Health. Your dedication is extremely appreciated.