Sally Ludlow

REGIONAL — A familiar name to Cook and the surrounding region was front and center Tuesday as the St. Louis County Board recognized this year’s Public Health Achievement Award recipients.
Sally Ludlow, longtime president of the W.C. Heiam Medical Foundation, was among three honorees recognized during the board’s meeting in Duluth.
Ludlow has led the foundation for 33 years, helping drive fundraising and volunteer efforts in support of Cook Hospital. Under her leadership, the foundation has contributed more than $1 million to strengthen local health care services, helping ensure residents across northern St. Louis County can access care close to home.
The foundation’s support has helped equip the hospital with updated tools and technology, while also improving patient safety and expanding services.
Ludlow’s work, carried out largely behind the scenes, has had a lasting impact on the hospital and the broader community.

Hesse recognized
Also honored was Lisa Hesse, who recently retired as infection prevention coordinator at Fairview Range Medical Center.
Hesse began her career at Cook Hospital, where she worked in infection prevention.
Over the course of her career, she helped develop hospital infection control practices and contributed to infectious disease research. More recently, she led efforts to improve HIV care and prevention, working with the Minnesota Department of Health to provide continuing education for clinicians.

Dental program honored
Children’s Dental Services was also recognized for its work improving access to preventive dental care for families across St. Louis County.
The organization partners with county WIC clinics in Hibbing, Virginia, and Duluth to provide on-site services, helping address barriers such as transportation and provider shortages. The group plans to open a permanent clinic in Chisholm later this year.
The county presents the Public Health Achievement Awards each year during National Public Health Week, recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to improving community health.
“It’s a special day when we are able to recognize individuals and organizations that make up the fabric of the public health system,” said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division director.