The roots of Blessing Health System run deep through Quincy and the region. It all started nearly 150 years ago when a 19-room hospital, built on donations of land and money, opened to serve the poor. Its name was Blessing Hospital.
Fast forward to today. Blessing Health System is made up of several specialized entities that improve the health of communities on both sides of the river. They include the Quincy-based multi-specialty provider group Blessing Physician Services and the northeast Missouri-based multi-specialty provider group Hannibal Clinic. Together, 200 providers serve the needs of patients in Quincy and throughout the region.
In Pike County Illinois and its surrounding communities, Illini Community Hospital is a well known and respected health system member.
The system also includes Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as Denman Services, an important source of health care equipment and services for the regionâs residents and providers.
Throughout the years, Blessingâs commitment to the people of Quincy and the region has remained the guiding light of what we do. That is evidenced, in part, by another health system entity, the Blessing Foundation. It raises charitable donations to assist the health system in caring out its mission to improve the health of our communities and to address the unmet needs of patients.
Blessing is tightly woven into the fabric of the communities we serve. Itâs where our family, friends and neighbors workâand are cared for. Itâs where people make true human connections.
Blessing Hospital is Quincyâsand the regionâs hospital. Our communities recognize the value of access to lifesaving, personalized patient care and modern, convenient facilities with the latest technology right in their own backyard.
For generations, Blessing has been there for our families and friends. And it always will be.
With an eye on the future, weâre reimagining what health care can be for our communities and weâre growing to meet our patientsâ evolving needsâfor today and tomorrow.
With the exception of Denman Services, Blessing Health system entities are not-for-profit and non-tax supported. At Blessing Health System healing is a passion, not a business â as it has been for nearly 150 years. We are proud of that.
Blessing is also the regionâs largest employer, providing more than 3,000 jobs that fuel the areaâs economy and help make Quincy and surrounding communitiesâ great places to live and work.
Blessing is owned and operated locally. Members of the Health Systemâs boards of trustees volunteer their expertise to help guide the system. They are community members who truly care about the future of Quincy and continually strive to do whatâs right for patients in our area.
Weâre dedicated to being a proactive, visionary healthcare leader as we expand our services for patients through new partnerships, and investments in technology and facilities, designed to meet the health care demands of the future. With each step, fresh opportunities emerge to provide even better care.
Blessingâs journey to become the regional medical hub it is today is highlighted with many firsts and inspired approaches âŚ
In 1891, the Blessing Hospital Training School for Nurses opened as the first nursing education program in the Midwest, outside of Chicago. Today, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a nationally recognized educational program.
Having this top-rated nursing school as a health system member means weâre training well-prepared nurses to provide expert care for our patients right here in the Quincy area.
In 1983, Blessing Hospice became the first Medicare-certified hospice program in Illinois. This vital service continues to provide compassionate end-of-life care and comfort to patients and their families, with the support of the Blessing Foundation.
Blessing has raised the bar on cancer care. The Blessing Cancer Center is a comprehensive facility with experienced staff, the latest technology, specialized care, and advanced treatments. We also partner with other health care organizations to offer patients access to clinical trials for new therapies.
In addition, the Blessing Cancer Center is designated nationally as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program. That means the center meets or exceeds the highest, most rigorous criteria for cancer centers in the country.
Heart care is another area in which Blessing excels. In 2004, physicians on the hospital medical staff performed the areaâs first angioplasty to open a blocked artery in a patientâs heart, as well as the areaâs first open heart surgery. Previously, patients had to travel far from home for access to these lifesaving procedures.
In 2013, the regionâs first cardiac electrophysiology procedure to correct an abnormal heart rhythm was performed at Blessing.
Heart care at Blessing continues to expand with leading-edge, minimally invasive procedures. In December 2019, the first transcatheter aortic valve replacementâor TAVRâwas performed at Blessing. The procedure offers hope and healing to patients who need heart valve replacement but may not be candidates for open heart surgery due to age or other health conditions.
Also in 2019, the health system recruited its first orthopedic surgeons to meet the growing demand for orthopedic care. These skilled orthopedic and sports medicine specialists provide care where our patients liveâeliminating the inconvenience, discomfort and expense of traveling.
As we look to the future, Blessing will continue to bring more comprehensive services and specialties to the area so our residents can stay closer to home to receive exceptional care.
Blessing Health System is proud to invest in its hometown and the surrounding region. As a mission-driven organization, we will continue to do whatâs right for the community and our patients.
Itâs easy to spot Blessingâs healthy growth around the area. On the horizon are a new surgery center, and a new outpatient health center. Both will bring expanded services and more advanced technologies to Quincy and the region.
At Blessing, we embrace change and innovation as a way to continuously improve patient care. Every program, service, and technological upgrade is designed to benefit you, the people we serve. Itâs an exciting time in the Quincy region.
Weâre growing so we can offer families in our community MORE. More choices. More convenience. More access. More advanced care so our friends and families can live healthier lives.
We want more people to be able to experience the Blessing Difference.
Blessing is honored to be part of what makes Quincy a great place to work and live.
And we are committed to exceeding the expectations of every resident of the region as we improve the health of our communities.
