Ashland Prevention & Human Services

In just 2 weeks, join us at the Ashland Public Safety Building to play your part in creating Ashland's International Overdose Awareness Memorial.

Come plant a flag to remember the 2,125 lives lost in Massachusetts to drug overdose in 2023. Special remembrance flags are also available for those wanting to honor a loved one lost to overdose.


1. Reduce overdose deaths in our community.
2. Prevent the risk factors that may lead to drug use.
3. Educate our community on how to respond to and support those struggling with drug use and overdose.

Individuals, families, and community groups welcome to participate in this community collaboration event. Community support and educational resources will be available. We hope to see you there!

Cosponsored by Ashland's Department of Prevention & Human Services, Decisions At Every Turn Coalition, Ashland Health Department, Ashland Police Department, and Ashland Fire Department.
Ashland Police Department

The Ashland Food Pantry is seeking the following items. We are grateful for each and every item generously donated. Donations can be dropped off in the bin located at the back of the Ashland Community Center (lower level, near the soccer fields) at 162 West Union Street or at Shaw's on Pond Street.

The Department of Prevention & Human Services is looking for volunteers to help make a difference! Are you interested and able to help homebound Ashland residents? An hour or two once a month can make a big impact! We are looking for a few volunteers to drive about once per month. Other volunteer opportunities are also available! If you're interested in volunteering please contact The Department of Prevention & Human Services at 508-532-7949 or [email protected]

The Ashland Food Pantry is seeking the following items. Donations can be dropped off in the bin located at the back of the Ashland Community Center (lower level, near the soccer fields) at 162 West Union Street.

Join the Department of Prevention & Human Services for this virtual community presentation. Wednesday, May 22nd from 6-7:30 PM. Community adults, parents, caregivers and teens 16+ are encouraged to attend "Mental Health Essentials for Communities" with Mental Health Collaborative. Resgister at https://ashlandmass.com/.../13687/Community-MHC-flyer-final

Community adults, parents, caregivers and teens 16+ are encouraged to join us on May 22nd for a virtual presentation of "Mental Health Essentials for Communities" with Mental Health Collaborative. Resgister at https://ashlandmass.com/DocumentCenter/View/13687/Community-MHC-flyer-final

ICYMI - Art Saves Ashland is tomorrow night, May 9th from 4-7 at Ashland High School! This celebration of art and mental health is stocked with resources and hands-on activities for all ages. The weather looks to be in our favor for our outside activities too! Don't forget to visit the AHS Art Show taking place from 4-7 on the second floor and the AHS Choral Concert at 7. https://ashlandmass.com/977/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-2024

Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. See what The Department of Prevention & Human Services has put together this year to help raise awareness about the importance of mental health and efforts to reduce stigma around these important conversations. https://ashlandmass.com/977/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-2024

The Ashland Food Pantry is seeking the following items. Donations can be dropped off on Mondays from 9-12, Wednesdays from 11:30-6, and Thursdays from 9-1. We're located at the rear of the Ashland Community Center (lower level) at 162 West Union Street.

Please note the Food Pantry schedule during Thanksgiving Week. If you need to place an order please use this link and complete the order form: https://www.ashlandmass.com/440/Ashland-Food-Pantry

Holiday Program donors are still welcome! Please consider supporting this community tradition by becoming a donor for the 2023 Holiday Program. Use the QR code on the program flyer or visit https://www.ashlandmass.com/1009/Ashland-Holiday-Program to learn more or to complete the 2023 Holiday Program Donor Application.

The Ashland Police Department along with the Ashland Lions Club will be participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Th take back will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Ashland Public Safety Building, 12 Union Street.

This initiative allows the public to voluntarily surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutically controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper destruction.

We've extended the date! Interested community members and organizations can apply to be a Holiday Program Donor until 11/2. Use the QR code on the flyer or visit https://www.ashlandmass.com/1009/Ashland-Holiday-Program.

Please consider supporting this amazing community tradition by becoming a donor for the 2023 Holiday Program. Use the QR code on the program flyer or visit https://www.ashlandmass.com/1009/Ashland-Holiday-Program to learn more or to complete the 2023 Holiday Program Donor Application.

The Ashland Food Pantry appreciates all the support they receive from the community all year long. Current needs are listed below.

Drop off locations for food donations:
Donation bin at Shaws and Star Supermarket
Front entrance of the food pantry. Please donate non-perishable and non-expired food in the donation bin located outside the downstairs entrance to the Ashland Community Center located on 162 West Union Street, lower level.

The Food Pantry currently seeks the following items:
cleaning wipes
baby wipes
diapers (larger sizes) and pullups
flour
sugar
toiletries
Ashland trash bags
pancake mix and syrup
oatmeal
jelly
applesauce
snacks
baking mixes

Please drop off your donations to the Food Pantry during the following days/hours, Mondays and Thursdays: 8 am- 4 pm and Wednesdays: 10 am - 6 pm.

For more information visit, https://www.ashlandmass.com/440/Ashland-Food-Pantry

We need your help to run our Holiday Program!

As you know, this time of year can be a source of stress, and strain for most of us, particularly for our neighbors struggling with financial, housing, and food insecurities. In an effort to help alleviate some of the anxiety and economic burden that can coincide with the holidays, we would like to invite you to spread some joy to a child in need this season.

The Ashland Community Center, in partnership with the Human Services Department, is asking for donors to help contribute to our annual holiday program! There are a few ways in which to participate, and welcome any level of involvement you choose.

Option 1- One person, or a group of people, can adopt one or more children (you will be provided information to help shop such as clothing sizes, hobbies, favorite colors, etc.)

Option 2- Purchase ‘filler gifts’ (Books, Hair Accessories, Fidgets, Pokemon Cards, etc.)

Option 3- Purchase gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon, TJ Maxx, etc.)

We appreciate the donation of filler gifts as extra donations will be used to ensure no child is turned away.

We hope to begin pairing donors and participants by November 1st. If you are interested in becoming a donor, please fill out the short application in the link below as soon as possible, https://forms.gle/L7iZ8ti3giAm7M8h8

Our Annual Holiday Program Would Not Be Made Possible Without Your Generosity!

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Human Services Team by emailing, [email protected] or calling 508-881-0140.

Watch the film Promising Young Woman over the weekend and join us for a conversation "Promising Young Woman" At Home Film Viewing and Panel Discussion*For Adults

"Promising Young Woman" At Home Film Viewing *For Adults Ashland Human Services and the Ashland Library are collaborating to bring you the opportunity to view the film "Promising Young Woman", which will then be followed by a panel discussion regarding it's themes of social justice and women's rights on Thursday, March 31st at 6pm at the Library.

We are so excited to host this event for Women's History month!

A Promising Young Woman--Panel discussion following the film
*Adults* Thursday, March 31st @ 6:30 pm at Ashland Public Library

Keep in mind, this film is potentially triggering for viewers. The film highlights central themes prevalent in our society, including- sexual assault, consent, suicidality, misogyny, internalized sexism, substance use, and victim-blaming. Voices Against Violence Support Line: 1- 800- 593- 1125

Learn more about watching this movie, https://www.ashlandmass.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=8097

Learn more about the panel event,
https://www.ashlandmass.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=8101&month=3&year=2022&day=31&calType=0

Last week Brownie Troop # 70699 visited our food pantry for an educational tour. They earned a badge for putting together hygiene products for our local woman's shelter, AND made a generous donation to the The Ashland Emergency Fund ! Thank you, so much, ladies!

Thank you SOOO much Mrs. Temple's first-grade class at the Warren School for thinking of our food pantry and putting together a mitten drive!

❤️🥰❤️ We are so grateful to help so many local families. Thank you for your support, Ashland!

Thank you to all of the organizations that called to support our community. With the influx of donations this time of year, we appreciate your commitment to helping us next spring. We look forward to working with you soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!
We are so grateful for this wonderful community!