by Chris English on Friday, July 9, 2010
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- David M. “Mike” Miller, Lucas County Health Center Trustee
This week, IHA mourns the loss of David M. “Mike” Miller, a long-time Trustee of Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, IA. On Wednesday, July 7 Miller was involved in a tragic car accident that ended his life and 35 years of dedication as both an LCHC Trustee and steadfast advocate for building and maintaining health care excellence.
The accident occurred Wednesday morning when a 15 year old driver headed southbound on Highway 65 attempted to pass another vehicle. Upon spotting Miller approaching from the other direction, the driver lost control attempting to return to his own lane resulting in a head-on collision.
As a member of the Iowa Hospital Association, Miller went above and beyond and was regarded by many as a kind and trustworthy individual. A modest and gentle leader among his peers, Miller was awarded for his dedication in 2007 when he received the IHA Excellence in Governance Award for his commitment to improving the health care industry at both the state and federal level. Throughout the majority of his tenure as an LCHC board member, he held various executive positions including multiple terms as its chairman. Miller served five years on the national American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and was an active member of the IHA Council on Education & Member Services and the Council on Health Information.
In the wake of Miller’s tragic and untimely passing, LCHC workers as well as IHA members and staff have all expressed shock in hearing of the tragic news as well as sadness in light of remembering all that Miller had done over his long and successful career.
Miller receiving the IHA Excellence in Governance Award in 2007
“Mike was an avid learner and an educator,” said Roger Struve, chairman of the LCHC Board of Trustees.
“He sought to stay abreast of current events and to educate himself continuously about the health services industry. Mike used his knowledge to teach his fellow Trustees. He had a keen intellect and was able to assess the social and political environment to help us plan for the future of health care in Lucas County. Mike was truly visionary in his work on the LCHC Board of Trustees.”
This week, the people and patients within the Lucas County Health Center community and all Iowans for that matter have lost a tremendous leader and a friend. However, while David “Mike” Miller’s life and service to his community may be over, the impact of his work will resonate for a long time to come.
Mike was such a tremendous asset to our Board, our hospital and our community. His compassion for others and his passion for improving the availability of quality healthcare will be missed. Thanks, IHA, for the nice tribute to a great man.
Mike was a friend to Lucas County Health Center, its medical staff, employees and to me personally. His knowledge base was extensive and his ability to analysis and solve problems unparalleled. He was one of the good guys and can never be replaced.
It is with shock hearing the news having been a freind of Mike for many years in our shared industry. Mike also served with myself as a board member and was liked and respected by all that knew him. His calm nature and ability to provide imput without emotion, for the good of all will never forgotten. My prayers are with the family and freinds.
Barney G. Ward