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Mill Towns Public Health

Our Mission

The staff here at Mill Towns Public Health works to enhance community resources, increase capacity and expertise, offer collaborative opportunities, and ultimately improve public health outcomes to the residents of Ludlow, Palmer, Warren, and West Brookfield. By bringing together resources and experiences, we work to improve towns’ health and expand on opportunities that are offered to community members.

What Is Mill Towns Public Health?

Mill Towns Public Health is a Shared Service group, working in LudlowPalmerWarren, and West Brookfield. That was established through the State Action for Public Health Excellence Grant.

The four towns share a staff that contributes to improving local public health and helps Local Health Departments and Boards of Health meet minimum standards and improve upon services that are offered to residents.

Some of the work that we do includes:

  • Connecting people to resources
  • Health Education
  • Community outreach
  • Partnering with outside organizations
  • Completing food and housing inspections
  • Program implementation and support
  • AND MORE!

Year in Review 2025

Ludlow’s 250th Celebration: Last Night In Ludlow (February 22, 2025)

last night

Rag Shag Trunk or Treat (October 25, 2024)

We had so much fun at the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club for their Rag Shag Trunk or Treat event! We LOVED seeing everyone’s costumes and getting to hand out candy and COVID tests to all those who stopped by. We’re counting down the days until we get to go to the Boys and Girls club again!!

Fall into Fun (October 5, 2024)

We were super excited when the Ludlow Health Department asked us to partner with them at the Ludlow Fall into Fun event to kick off the beginning of the fall season! It was a beautiful day and amazing to get to interact with community members! Make sure to stop by and say “Hi”, and pick up some goodies from us if you ever see us in the wild!

Color Ludlow with Love (September 14, 2024)

We were so honored to be at the Color Ludlow with Love event hosted by the DIAL (Diversity, Inclusion, Acceptance in Ludlow) group. It was a beautiful day talking to Ludlow residents, handing out goodies, and listening to some awesome music! We can’t wait to go back next year!!!

National Night Out in Palmer (August 6, 2024)

We were so excited to sit with Palmer’s Health Department for National Night Out! We had a blast handing out books, coloring pages, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent bracelets to everyone who stopped by our table! It was so much fun getting to see all the fire trucks and businesses who came out, we can’t wait to go again next year!

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market in Palmer (July 13, 2024)

We were so excited to attend our first Farmers Market of the season, we had a great time in Palmer handing out summer safety goodies as well as lots of mental health resources. We can’t wait to be back for round two on August 9th 2024, make sure to stop by and say hello!

Social Services Drop-In Hours at Hubbard Memorial Library (July 3, 2024)

In collaboration with the Hubbard Memorial Library in Ludlow we are so happy to announce that we are able to host Social Services Drop-In hours! We held our first event on July 3rd and can’t wait for the next one! Make sure to stop by and meet up with our Social Worker, Ashley for all your needs (and she will have goodies for you too). Ashley will be at the library the first Wednesday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm in the second floor conference room, see you there!

Ludlow Boys & Girls Club “Slide into Summer Safety” Event (June 14th 2024)

We partnered with the Ludlow Health Department to host a table at the Boys & Girls Club’s Slide into Summer Safety event. We had a great time meeting with you in Ludlow and getting to hand out sunscreen, mosquito repellent bracelets, tick information cards, and more! We can’t wait until next year to do this again!

Public Health Initiatives

CPR/AED Classes

Our Shared Services Coordinator Erin McMurray, MPH, is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross and is offering CPR classes monthly at the Ludlow Town Hall. Participants of a class will gain hands on experience practicing giving CPR to a manikin, learning how to use an AED machine, and practice what to do if someone is suffering from choking. 

Class costs $55 per participant which can be paid either cash or a check written out to The Town of Ludlow.

If you or someone you know is interested in taking a CPR class please reach out to Erin McMurray via email at emcmurray@ludlow.ma.us to schedule.

Adult CPR/AED/Choke Saver Course: $55 
Open to the general public, ages 15 and up. 

Pediatric CPR/AED/Choke Saver Course: $55
Open to the general public, ages 15 and up.

Social Worker Drop-in Hours

Our Social Worker, Ashley Jediny, LCSW, holds monthly drop-in hours at the Hubbard Memorial Library on the first Wednesday of every month from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Located in the second floor conference room she offers an assortment of services to the public including but not limited to:

  • Food Resources 
  • Health Insurance
  • Housing
  • Fuel/Utility Assistance
  • Hoarding 
  • Substance Use
  • Mental Health\Transportation
  • Employment 
  • Legal Resources
  • Support Groups
  • Section 35 Paperwork 
  • Harm Reduction
  • Family & Child Resources
  • AND MORE!

Car Seat Inspections

Our Shared Service Coordinator is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and is able to offer FREE car seat inspections for all child care providers, just call or email her to set up an appointment (413-583-5600 ext.1269 or email at emcmurray@ludlow.ma.us).

  • Purchase a new car seat?
  • Expecting a baby?
  • Have existing car seats/boosters you want checked?
  • Have any questions revolving child passenger safety?
  • Becoming a child care provider?

Free Resources

Mill Towns Public Health is proud to offer an array of resources to the public, free of cost. 

If you are interested in something you can come into the Ludlow Health Department and ask for Erin McMurray during our normal hours of operation. 

  • COVID-19 Tests
  • Overdose Reversal Kits
  • Fentanyl Test Strips
  • First Aid Kits
  • Pregnancy Tests
  • Latex Free Condoms
  • Weekly Pill Box Organizer
  • Toothbrushes
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Mindfulness Journal Kit
  • Sleep Wellness Kit

Monthly Health Topics

This Months Health Topics: May

Food Allergy Awareness Month This month we take some time to raise awareness to food allergies, and the importance of proper food labeling, and promoting self management of food allergies.   Common food allergy Symptoms: Hives Itching Rash Swelling (especially of the lips, tongue, and/or throat) Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal Cramps Itchy/Watery Eyes Dizziness Lightheadedness…

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Recognizing Autism Awareness Month

Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance. Check out the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGQJUIWuBJE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ludlow.ma.us%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month

What are the symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? Having even a couple of symptoms—which you might not see as trouble signs—can signal a drinking problem. It helps to know the signs so you can make a change early. Doctors diagnose AUD when a person has two or more of the symptoms listed below. AUD…

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