The application period for the 2026 Kay Dubbert Memorial Nursing Scholarship through the Audrain County Health Department is now open. The $2,500 scholarship is open to any current or prospective college student who is pursuing a degree in nursing.

The scholarship is in remembrance of Kay Dubbert, a long-term ACHD employee who retired in 2014 and died in 2024. Dubbert was a 38-year employee of the Audrain County Health Department as a registered nurse and was instrumental in the establishment of numerous public health programs for residents of Audrain County. Some of those programs included the Home Health & Hospice program and the Women, Infant and Children’s program.

“This scholarship is such a wonderful way to honor Kay’s memory,” Becky Wieberg, ACHD clinical services manager, said. “It’s designed to help out someone that needs that extra hand with their education and, that’s what Kay was about — helping those that needed it and helping provide a path through that help for them to succeed.”

ACHD Administrator Craig Brace said Dubbert is still remembered fondly at ACHD.

“Kay made such an impression on employees under her charge here at the health department because she was so ready to help when they needed it,” Brace said. “It was an easy decision in naming this scholarship after her because of her way with not only the residents of Audrain County but the nurses in her care. She was always ready to help and now she can continue to do so through her name being on this scholarship.”

“The scholarship will be awarded to a current or enrolling nursing student in a Registered Nurse or a Bachelor of Science Nursing program at an accredited college or university,” Katie Swaim, ACHD Director of Operations, said.

Applicants can apply by completing an essay describing their intent and desire to pursue a degree in nursing. Submissions are due by March 15 and one winner will be selected.

Applications are available on our website, myachd.org, or by emailing info@myachd.org.