January 2026 Grantee Spotlight

Mary Zaffke and Houston County

Dr. Tura, assistant commissioner, and Mary Zaffke during the Betty Hubbard Award ceremony.

Each year, the Betty Hubbard Maternal and Child Health Leadership Award is presented to individuals or organizations in Minnesota making significant contributions to maternal and child health. This year, Mary Zaffke, public health nurse in Houston County was one of three individuals who received the prestigious award. Zaffke was nominated by a large collective group, the Southeast Minnesota Family Home Visiting Partnership, who have experienced Mary’s dedication first-hand and who have a shared sentiment for Mary’s humble, reflective, and compassionate approach to serving families.  

The focus of Mary’s 35-year career has been on family health and improving the status of mothers and children in Houston County, particularly those impacted by trauma, isolation, poverty, abuse or neglect. Mary leans into the challenge of the work and has found inspiration in the complexities of those she supports in her role as a nurse home visitor by utilizing a strengths-based approach with the families which builds upon parents’ existing strengths to promote parenting competence and confidence. In her role as a public health nurse in a small rural county, Mary has had to wear multiple hats to address the needs of family in the county. Until recently, she had been the sole public health nurse implementing a range of family health services, including traditional and evidence-based home visiting, WIC, Child and Teen Checkups, the Follow Along Program, and breastfeeding support. Mary is a true champion for families, walking alongside them in partnership. “There is a shared humanity in my work with families,” said Zaffke “I appreciate what I can learn from each experience.”