Hudson Social Worker

12/23/2025

Winter can bring changes in routines, moods, and energy levels. Encouraging healthy habits - like staying active, getting enough rest, and checking in emotionally - can make a big difference.

This season is also a good time to remind kids and teens that substances aren’t a solution to boredom or stress.

Healthy coping skills matter year-round. Here are a few conversation starters you can use:

❄️ “What helps you feel better when you’re bored or stressed during the winter?”

❄️ “What do you usually notice about your mood when your routine changes?”

❄️ “If a friend was feeling overwhelmed, what are some healthy ways you think they could cope?”

❄️ “What activities help you relax or reset when you’ve had a long day?”

❄️ “Who do you feel comfortable talking to when something feels hard?”

12/23/2025

School breaks bring freedom, flexibility, and sometimes extra downtime. While the change in routine can be fun, it can also create moments where kids and teens feel bored, disconnected, or unsure how to spend their time.

This is a great opportunity to set clear expectations, talk about plans, and stay connected. Checking in about where kids will be, who they’ll be with, and how they’re feeling helps reinforce safety without pressure and opens the door for ongoing conversations.

Looking for ways to stay engaged during school break? Here are some ideas families can try together:
☃️ Create a loose daily routine that balances rest, fun, and responsibility
☃️ Set aside short “check-in” moments each day to talk about plans, moods, or highlights
☃️ Work on a small school-related project like reading together, journaling, or practicing a skill without pressure
☃️ Play games as a family: board games, card games, puzzles, or trivia spark connection and conversation
☃️ Get outside when possible for walks, snow play, or fresh air to boost mood and energy
☃️ Try a creative activity like cooking, baking, art, music, or building something together
☃️ Volunteer or help others, even small acts build purpose and connection
☃️ Talk about healthy ways to handle boredom or stress, reinforcing that substances aren’t a solution

School breaks don’t need to be packed with activities to be meaningful. Simple, shared moments help strengthen relationships and those relationships are the foundation of prevention.

12/15/2025

11/24/2025

🌟 Happy Public Health Thank You Day! 🌟

From all of us at the Hudson Health Department, we’re proud to recognize this national day of gratitude for the people who work every day—often behind the scenes—to keep our community healthy, safe, and supported.

Today, we want to celebrate our incredible Hudson Health Department and MetroWest Shared Public Health Services team: Department Admin, Sanitarian, Nurse, Hudson Social Worker, Epidemiologist, Communications Specialist, Prevention Staff, Housing Navigator, Community Health Worker, MetroWest Food Collaborative Staff, Program Coordinators, Board of Health members, and everyone who works tirelessly to serve our residents. Your commitment, compassion, and expertise make a real difference in people’s lives.

Public health is more than disease prevention, it’s:
✔️ Supporting mental health and connecting residents to care
✔️ Promoting youth substance use prevention Hudson Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Central MetroWest Substance Awareness & Prevention Collaborative
✔️ Ensuring safe housing, food, and environments
✔️ Responding to crises and emerging health concerns
✔️ Partnering with schools, community groups, and regional partners
✔️ Reducing health inequities and strengthening community well-being

We are honored to serve Hudson every day, and grateful for the trust this community places in us.

Thank you to our team—and to all public health professionals across Massachusetts and beyond—for the critical work you do. 💙

11/18/2025

📣 New Program Alert: Uber Health Rides Now Available in Hudson! 🚗

The Hudson Health Department is excited to launch Uber Health, a new transportation program that helps residents get to substance-use–related appointments and support services.

Through a partnership with Justice Resource Institute's Program RISE, the City of Framingham, and the Town of Natick, MA, we are now able to offer FREE, CONFIDENTIAL Uber rides for eligible individuals. This initiative is funded through municipal opioid settlement funds, with matching support from a state Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership grant.

Who is eligible?
Individuals impacted by substance or opioid use — whether currently using, in treatment, or in recovery.

Eligible rides can support:
• Medical & behavioral health appointments
• MAT/MOUD visits
• Detox/treatment
• Court or Recovery Court
• Housing appointments
• Support services such as DCF, ID appointments, and more

Think you may qualify?
Reach out to Hudson's Community Social Worker, Alex O’Hare:
📞 978-875-1281
📧 AOHare@townofhudson.org

We’re grateful to our regional partners and funders for helping us reduce barriers to care and support Hudson residents on their paths to wellness!

11/05/2025

11/05/2025

11/03/2025

For the entire month of November we are partnering up with Fresh Start Furniture Bank and The Marlborough Lions Club as a drop off point for their Blanket and Bedding Drive.

Please use the information on the attached flyer provided and drop off your donations at the adult circulation desk.

We are thankful not only this month but all year long for our caring community!

10/23/2025