Betty Hubbard Award Policies and Procedures

Elizabeth (Betty) Hubbard, a long time advocate for the health needs of mothers and children and an original member of the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force, died in 1989. In 1990, the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force and Minnesota Department of Health honored her work and her memory by establishing the Annual Betty Hubbard MCH Leadership Award. This award of recognition is presented to individuals or organizations in Minnesota making significant contributions to maternal and child health. In 1993, two award categories were established. Information on the awards, including the nomination and selection process, is provided below.

1. There are two award categories:
   • STATEWIDE AWARD. This award recognizes the nominee’s contributions serving mothers, children and families at a statewide level.
   • COMMUNITY-LEVEL AWARD. This award recognizes the nominee’s contributions to maternal, child and family health that impact an entire community or a targeted population within a community. Describe the community or targeted population. 
2. Eligibility for the awards is open to individuals and organizations working in Minnesota as volunteers or paid professionals. Members of the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force are not eligible during their terms on the Task Force. Minnesota Department of Health current employees are not eligible for nomination.
3. The Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force and staff of the Minnesota Department of Health solicit nominations. The Task Force's Executive Committee supervises the nomination, review, and selection process. The Executive Committee recommends one candidate in each category to the full Task Force for approval. The Commissioner of Health is notified of the selected candidates.
4. Criteria for Nomination Include:
   1. Nominee's qualifications as a recognized expert or authority, and/or long-term involvement, in their area of maternal,  child and family health.
   2. Outcomes that demonstrate the nominee's contributions in any or all of the following areas:
      • advancing or improving the health status of mothers, children, or families in Minnesota on a community or statewide basis.
      • developing successful, innovative program(s) in maternal, child and family health in Minnesota.
      • advocating for maternal and child health with decision-making bodies (i.e. legislative bodies, corporations, school boards).
      • collaborating with health, education, social services, and other decision makers and service providers.
5. Solicitation of nominations begins in late summer of each year.
6. Award recipients are expected to attend the award ceremony, which is held during the Task Force fall meeting. Family, friends, and colleagues of the award recipients are invited to attend the awards presentation and reception in honor of the recipients.
7. The Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force and the Commissioner of Health as part of the Fall Task Force meeting present the awards jointly.
8. Each award recipient receives a personalized award. A Certificate of Recognition is sent to the nominees not selected.
9. A summary of the award recipient's contributions is part of the award ceremony. The presentation includes an opportunity for recipients to make brief comments and to introduce their family, friends and colleagues attending the award presentation.
10. A news release naming the award recipients and individuals receiving a Certificate of Recognition is available at the awards presentation.