The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognized Houston County Public Health nurse Mary Zaffke on December 12 with the Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award.
Presented annually since 1990, the award honors the legacy of Betty Hubbard, a founding member of the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Committee and a lifelong advocate for the health of mothers and children. The award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions at either the state or community level. Zaffke was honored for her exceptional service to mothers and children in Houston County.
“This year’s honorees remind us of what public health looks like at its best – people who lead with compassion, break down barriers for families, and build systems that truly meet community needs. Through their vision and persistence, they have changed lives and strengthened the future of children and families across Minnesota,” said Minnesota Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Dr. Robsan Halkeno Tura. “Their work has connected residents with necessary services, improved access to vital health care and advocated for the needs of Minnesota families.”
Zaffke’s career started as a maternal health nurse in Wright County more than 35 years ago and has served with Houston County Public Health since 1987. Many residents know her as the county’s WIC coordinator. According to an MDH press release, she was also instrumental in launching and sustaining evidence-based home visiting programs in Houston County, ensuring families received consistent, high-quality support.
Reflecting on the honor, Zaffke said she was surprised and deeply humbled by the recognition. “Some of my heroes in public health across the state have been past recipients,” she said. “ I have been fortunate to be able to do something with my nursing career that I have found rewarding, challenging, and a good match for my curiosity and passion. I enjoy working with the maternal child population and every day find myself curious about something and always learning, and I have deep respect for the families I serve.”
Zaffke was nominated by Krista Middlebrooks, MPA, Regional Family Home Visiting Program Manager. Letters of support accompanied the nomination from evidence-based home visiting staff in Fillmore, Winona, Goodhue, Wabasha, Rice, Steele, Dodge, Freeborn and Houston counties, as well as from her supervisor, Jordan Knoke.
Knoke praised Zaffke’s decades of service and community impact. “Mary has devoted more than 30 years of service to improving the health and well-being of families in Houston County,” she said. “She has worked with hundreds of families and children – from early pregnancy through kindergarten and beyond – offering education, guidance, and compassionate support during some of the most critical years of child development. Her deep knowledge of local resources and her genuine care for families have made a lasting impact throughout our rural community.”
Knoke said, “What truly sets her apart is her genuine compassion and personal connection to those she serves. Zaffke takes the time to truly know her clients, and her care often extends long after official visits end. She frequently shares stories of families she once served who are now graduating, starting careers, or raising families of their own – clear evidence of the lifelong influence she has made.”
Zaffke was also honored by the Houston County Commissioners at their December 16 meeting, where she received a standing ovation from colleagues, county employees, and community members. PHHS Director John Pugleasa proudly introduced Zaffke, emphasizing how thrilled PHHS is to see Zaffke receive this prestigious award and noting that there is only one individual is selected each year. He added that the recognition is not based on longevity alone, but rather on the dedication and impact of one’s service, stating, “It has to do not with the number of years, but what you put into those years.”
Quoting former Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, Zaffke summed up her philosophy: “We all do better when we all do better.”
Houston County residents echo that sentiment – thank you, Mary Zaffke, for your decades of dedicated service.
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