CoxHealth CEO picked for Bengsch award

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department on Friday honored CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards with its second annual Harold K. Bengsch Award.

Edwards leads a health system with nearly 11,400 employees across six hospitals, more than 80 physician clinics and other facilities. The award honors individuals who work to collaborate between multiple sectors, according to a news release.

“If there’s anyone in this community that exhibits the ability to foster collaboration, it’s Steve Edwards,” said Bengsch, the award’s namesake, in the release.

In the inaugural year, Mercy internal medicine specialist Dr. J.T. Rogers received the Bengsch Award. Currently a member of the Greene County Commission, Bengsch last year also received an honorary award in recognition of his 45 years, 21 as director, serving the Health Department.

“Harold Bengsch taught this community how to collaborate,” Edwards said in the release.