MILFORD – After nearly three years on the job, Public Health Director Jacquelyn Murphy has resigned, and city health officials will soon begin a search for someone to take over.
Murphy, who has a doctorate in public health, resigned from the Board of Health on May 31, marking her last day on June 17. She has led the Department of Health since September 2019, coming to Milford through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the daily newspaper reported.
“I am beyond grateful for the Board of Health team and the unforgettable experiences I had in Milford during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Murphy wrote in her letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Daily News.
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The pandemic has highlighted longstanding public health challenges — including a lack of affordable housing — and exacerbated others, such as mental health and substance abuse problems, she said.
“However, as in all difficult seasons of life, I have been humbled to witness the most generous, determined and kind people,” Murphy continued. “When everything was unknown at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, recent and longtime Milfordians continued to dedicate their time and talents to helping each other.”
She added, “Working creatively and collaboratively alongside some of these residents, other city departments and local partner organizations has been one of the greatest honors of my life.”
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Murphy, who didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, offered to help figure out responsibilities and train other team members during the department’s transition.
Board of Health member Paul Mazzuchelli, who led the Health Department for nearly 42 years before retiring in 2019, said Murphy received an offer to teach public health at the college level.
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The Board of Health will soon advertise to fill the position, said Mazzuchelli, who also sits on the Select Committee. He said that there is also a vacant post of health inspector.
However, Mazzuchelli said it can take time to find candidates for vacancies at local health departments, noting that recent searches in Framingham and Natick took several months.
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“It’s a tough position,” he said.
Milford’s diversity — both in population and types of businesses — and the presence of Milford Regional Medical Center make it “a pretty unique town,” he added.
The city will likely be looking for someone who has experience in public health and is ready to jump into action, Mazzuchelli said.
“Milford isn’t really a training ground,” he added.
