Kerri Blessinger Named GARDENER Award Recipient by Deaconess Memorial Medical Center

Deaconess Memorial Medical Center announced that Kerri Blessinger, who works in the Security/Deaconess Police Department, has been named the recipient of the hospital’s GARDENER Award. The recognition highlights support staff whose calm communication and genuine connection improve patient care in high-stress situations, an acknowledgment that matters for Dubois County residents who rely on the hospital’s full team for safety and recovery.

“Kerri works in the Security/Deaconess Police Department and is described as one who has shown to provide compassionate, patient-centered care by using calm communication and genuine connection in high-stress situations,” the hospital said in its announcement. The statement added that “her presence, empathy, and professionalism has made a meaningful difference in patient outcomes and team success,” and that “Deaconess Memorial is blessed to have Kerri as part of our team.”

The GARDENER Award was created by Deaconess Memorial Medical Center as a result of the internationally known DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses. Deaconess officials framed the GARDENER Award to celebrate non-nursing roles that keep hospital operations running smoothly, including maintenance, billers, therapists, medical records, and food service. The award underscores the hospital’s view that it takes an entire team to provide safe, equitable care, a point of consequence for public health planning, workforce morale, and patient experience in the county.

The announcement was circulated on social media; a Facebook post carrying the headline naming Blessinger appeared on Feb 09, 2026. Deaconess Memorial and syndicated local feeds also distributed the news, signaling that this recognition reached not only hospital staff but also community members who follow local health system updates.

For patients and families, the recognition of a security officer signals institutional commitment to de-escalation, compassionate communication, and trauma-aware responses in tense medical moments. For staff, the award affirms that support roles are essential to clinical outcomes and that hospitals benefit from investing in training, fair compensation, and recognition programs that reduce burnout and improve retention. From a policy perspective, elevating support staff contributes to a more resilient local health system and can influence staffing priorities and budget discussions at the hospital and county levels.

Community members seeking more information may contact Anna Borden in Deaconess Memorial’s Human Resources Department at 812-996-1488. Celebrating Kerri Blessinger reinforces a broader message for Dubois County: patient-centered care depends on often-overlooked workers whose empathy and professionalism keep the hospital safe and functioning. Future reporting may follow the hospital’s nomination process and whether the GARDENER Award will be offered regularly to shine continued light on the full health care workforce.