Director of Primary Care Services retires after 38 years at Blessing Hospital

QUINCY — Tena Awerkamp, director of Primary Care Services at Blessing Hospital, retired May 23, having completed 38 years of service.

After graduating from the Blessing Hospital School of Radiologic Technology, Awerkamp worked as a technologist in the hospital’s radiology department for 10 years before beginning her leadership career. She then served in the following positions: coordinator of the Community Outreach Clinic for 10 years, Supervisor of Blessing Physician Services Family Medicine Clinic for three years, Blessing Physician Services Support Services manager for five years, Blessing Walk-In Clinic manager for three years and the position from which she is retiring for eight years.

Awerkamp received the Blessing Hospital MVP Award during 2001 and the Leadership Firestarter Award in 2010.

For three years of her career, Awerkamp’s leadership skills led her to Texas where she was manager of a hospital breast center before returning to Blessing Hospital.

“I have been incredibly blessed throughout my career in healthcare,” Awerkamp said in a press release. “Every step of the way has presented me challenges and rewards. I have had the honor of working with and learning from so many talented, dedicated and caring individuals. I am very thankful for every opportunity. My time here was truly a gift.”