Hudson Health Department

08/25/2026

💜 TODAY: International Overdose Awareness Day Observance 💜

Join us today, Tuesday, August 25, at the Hudson, MA Farmers' Market as we come together to remember those we have lost, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those impacted by substance use and overdose.

📍 Hudson Town Hall Lawn
⏰ 3:30–6:00 PM

Throughout the afternoon, community members can help us create our annual display of 978 purple flags — one for each life lost to a fatal overdose in Massachusetts in 2025.

Stop by to:

💜 Help plant a purple flag
💜 Receive free Narcan training & Narcan
💜 Connect with local resources and community partners
💜 Pick up prevention and recovery information
💜 Help us spread hope and reduce stigma

The purple flag display will remain on the Town Hall lawn through September 2, and Town Hall will also be lit purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Every flag represents a person, a family, and a community forever changed.

We hope you’ll stop by and be part of this meaningful community observance. 💜

08/21/2026

🦟 Mosquito Spraying Update 🦟

Due to the rain last night, the scheduled mosquito spraying was not able to be completed.

Spraying has been rescheduled for tonight, Friday, August 21, after 8:00 PM.

Please see our previous post for additional information, including the treatment area and mosquito prevention tips.

Thank you for your understanding, and please continue to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites!

08/20/2026

🦟 MOSQUITO UPDATE: WNV ACTIVITY IN HUDSON & FIRST EEE DETECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS 🦟

The Hudson Health Department has been notified of another mosquito sample that has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Hudson. In response, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will conduct targeted mosquito spraying tonight, August 20, after 8:00 PM in the following areas:

📍 Main Street
📍 Orchard Drive
📍 Solo Road
📍 Wilkins Street
📍 Riverside Gun Club

Please see the map below for the specific treatment area.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced yesterday that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this season. The positive mosquito sample was collected in Kingston. At this time, there have been no human or animal cases of EEE reported in Massachusetts this year. Full press release: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-public-health-officials-announce-seasons-first-eee-positive-mosquito-samples-1

While the EEE detection is not in Hudson, the combination of continued WNV activity locally and the detection of EEE in Massachusetts is an important reminder that mosquito season is not over.

🦟 Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
• Consider limiting outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, when many mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
• Check your property for standing water and empty containers, buckets, toys, flowerpots, birdbaths, and other items where water can collect.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.

EEE is rare but can cause serious illness, and WNV can also cause severe disease in some people. The best protection against both viruses is preventing mosquito bites.

We will continue to monitor mosquito testing and state risk levels closely and will share additional updates as they become available.

Please take mosquito precautions — especially during these remaining weeks of summer.

08/19/2026

🩷 Healthy Parent, Happy Baby: Supporting families before, during and after pregnancy 🩷

Preparing for a new baby is about so much more than labor and delivery. It’s also about helping parents feel supported, connected, informed and emotionally well throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Recent conversations in our communities and across the country have brought renewed attention to maternal mental health — and to the importance of making sure parents and families know where to turn for support.

As part of our work to support local families, MetroWest Shared Public Health Services is offering a FREE doula-led Birthing Class in partnership with Accompany Doula Care.

📅 Friday, August 28, 2026
📍 Ashland Public Library, 66 Front Street, Ashland
🤰 For expecting parents in their 2nd or 3rd trimester
🤝 Participants may bring one partner or support person
✨ FREE — registration is required and space is limited

The class will include hands-on comfort techniques, preparation for labor and birth, emotional support, and tools to help expecting parents feel more confident as they begin this next chapter.

And we want families to know that support is available beyond the classroom, too.

🩷 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Pregnant, postpartum or a new parent? Call, text or chat with trained counselors 24/7.
📞 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Free and confidential.

💙 Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Need help finding mental health or substance use care — or simply aren't sure where to start?
📞 Call or text 833-773-2445, 24/7.

🩵 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
Anyone experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of su***de can call or text 988, 24/7.

Please save these numbers and share them with the parents and families in your life. Sometimes knowing where to turn is an important first step.

➡️ See the flyer for information and registration for our upcoming FREE birthing class.

08/13/2026

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 2026 💜

This August, the Hudson Health Department and the Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition invite our community to come together to remember those we have lost, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those impacted by substance use and overdose.

In 2025, Massachusetts experienced an estimated 978 fatal overdoses. To honor each of those lives, we will once again create our annual display of 978 purple flags on the Hudson Town Hall lawn — one flag representing each life lost.

📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Hudson Town Hall Lawn, during the Hudson Farmers Market

We invite community members to help us plant the purple flags and be part of this meaningful display.

The Hudson Health Department, Hudson YSAP, and community partners will also be available with:

💜 Free Narcan training & Narcan kits
💜 Substance use prevention resources
💜 Harm reduction supplies
💜 Information and community supports
💜 Giveaways and more

The purple flags will remain on display through September 2, and Hudson Town Hall will be illuminated purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

Every flag represents a person, a family, and a community forever changed.

Together, we remember.
Together, we raise awareness.
Together, we reduce stigma.
Together, we spread hope. 💜

08/11/2026

Come see us at the Hudson, MA Farmers' Market TODAY 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM. We'll be out there with community resources, UV bead bracelet making, and a fun mister to help keep you cool!

07/31/2026

🚗Volunteers needed for the Hudson Mobile Food Pantry!🥫

Our next distribution is Wednesday, August 5, and we need on-foot volunteers to help deliver food to neighbors at Brigham Circle, Peter’s Grove, and Glen Road/Norma Oliver Village.

Even 15 minutes can make a difference, and kids and teens are welcome to help!

Sign up here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/392753258075/false #/invitation

Thank you for supporting the Hudson community!

07/28/2026

Farmers Market TODAY - rain or shine! Including story time for the kids with the Hudson Public Library!

Hudson, MA Farmers' Market

This morning's weather report says 35% chance of drizzle at 6 pm. No problem! See you at the Market!

07/22/2026

Come see us today (7/22) at 10:30am and get a Health Department goodie bag! ☺️

Join Hudson Public Schools for Read & Roll, a free summer literacy program designed to bring books, reading, and fun directly to our community!

Throughout July and August - weekly on Wednesdays, starting at 10:30am - families are invited to gather at elementary schools and other district locations for interactive read-alouds, mystery guest readers, and multilingual story experiences.

Upcoming Stops:
• July 15 – Mulready Elementary
• July 22 – Forest Avenue Elementary
• July 29 – Apsley Street Administration Building
• August 5 – Apsley Street Administration Building

Reading helps build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Read & Roll series is a fun way for families to stay connected to literacy all summer long.

Each event will feature:
📚 Read-alouds in English, Portuguese, and Spanish
📚 Arts & crafts activities
📚 Mystery readers including teachers, principals, district leaders, and community members
📚 Free books for the first 10 children in attendance (available in their preferred language)

We hope to see many of you there!

07/20/2026

🌽 See you at the Hudson Farmers Market tomorrow! 🍅

Join us Tuesday, July 21, from 3:30–6:00 PM on the lawn at Hudson Town Hall for another great afternoon of shopping local, enjoying live music, and connecting with the community!

This week's market features:
🍓 Fresh fruits & vegetables
🥚 Local eggs
🍯 Honey
🥖 Fresh bread & baked goods
🍪 Cookies
🍝 Fresh lasagna
🍋 Fresh-squeezed lemonade
🍄 Gourmet mushrooms
🕯️ Handmade candles
🧼 Artisan soaps
…and so much more!

🎶 Live Music: Rewind & Co.

🤝 Community Table: Learn more about foster care with the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families.

📍 Hudson Town Hall
🕞 Tuesday, July 21 | 3:30–6:00 PM
☀️ Rain or Shine