Abington Board of Health Advances Health Agent Hiring With 10 Applicants in Review

ABINGTON -- June 22, 2026, Abington Board of Health advances health agent hiring while kratom ban stays on hold. Board Chair Katie Van Ness told the board Monday that 10 applicants have been identified for the town's long-vacant full-time health agent position, with an interview review session posted for June 25. A proposed local regulation banning kratom, synthetic cannabinoids, and unregulated novel intoxicants was held for a third consecutive meeting pending review by town counsel and the eventual permanent hire, with Van Ness noting the board needs "the manpower out and about" to enforce any ban that passes. Interim health agent Dan Kelly of Whitman, covering Abington on Fridays only, reported progress on a regional PM5 consortium hiring push, cleared a new mobile food vendor, and flagged unregistered ice cream trucks near school grounds as a licensing concern. Town Manager Michael Maresco confirmed the July 1 transition to All State as the new trash hauler, with 150 replacement barrels ordered and delivery expected by week's end. Select Board member Ken Coyle proposed forming a seven-member trash advisory committee, with one seat reserved for a Board of Health representative.