Board of Health approves regional health inspector and opens kratom regulation process
Tewksbury Board of Health appoints regional inspector and launches kratom regulation process. The five-member board unanimously approved the appointment of Kerri Sands as regional health inspector for Tewksbury and Tyngsboro under a PHE Grant, effective April 27, 2026. Sands, who holds a master's
Board of Health · Meeting of May 21, 2026
Tewksbury Board of Health appoints regional inspector and launches kratom regulation process. The five-member board unanimously approved the appointment of Kerri Sands as regional health inspector for Tewksbury and Tyngsboro under a PHE Grant, effective April 27, 2026. Sands, who holds a master's degree in public health from Boston University, will conduct food inspections after training.
The board also voted unanimously to begin identifying dates for a public hearing and draft language for a potential local kratom regulation. Director of Public Health Shannon Gillis reported that approximately twenty Massachusetts municipalities have adopted kratom regulations; the board may review models from Canton and Needham before proceeding to a required public hearing, which must be posted at least fourteen days in advance before any vote on the regulation can occur.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 298 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of May 21, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Share this brief
Know someone in Tewksbury who follows town government? Share Townbrief Tewksbury: they can sign up free.