Thursday, November 5, 2026

Board of Health reviews emergency dispensing plan, will consider increase in penalties for Kratom (audio)

FM #1851 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1851 in the series. 


The Franklin, MA Board of Health met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5 PM as scheduled. All three members participated; 2 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remotely (with an intermittent audio connection), along with additional representation by the Health Department members (C Liberty, Director; G McNeil).



Quick recap:

  • Approval of minutes for October, so moved, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent, joined just after vote)

  • Kids vaccine clinic successful, approx 30+ received, comfort dogs were present

  • Discussion on Kratom around potential penalties given the change that it that Federal status for the drug has changed to “restricted”

    • change penalties for Kratom and derivatives, will advertise for meeting in Dec and implement in the new year

  • Next up emergency dispensing site (FHS)

    • in partnership with Police Fire and DPW for holding and conducting the plan

  • Discussion on the need for interpreters, DPH removed the phone access service they had provided that Alicia used regularly; also consider sign language

  • Next up, food violations, trends? temp control, sanitation, usually the same repeat violations; lots of turnover within the food establishments doesn't help keep a stable process; looking at creating training via grant for those involved in food handling

  • Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0, via roll call (and 1 hand signal)


The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.


Audio link -
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1851-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-11-03-26/


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Agenda doc - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042026-2588 


My notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-B3I14vFnRZVMSPh6j-rvzge3uwtm9gb/view?usp=drive_link 



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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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