[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING DONI MILLER'S 25 YEARS OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life profession of 
Doni Miller of Toledo, Ohio. Doni has given herself to the practice of 
public health administration and is being recognized in a silver 
anniversary celebration tomorrow evening.
  After serving as an administrator in a public hospital, Doni took 
over the helm of Toledo's then-struggling Federally Qualified Health 
Center in 1993. Under her able leadership and steady guidance, Doni was 
able to turn around the ailing system within a few years and turn it 
into a premiere organization which is a model for others. Now, 25 years 
later, the Neighborhood Health Association is a conglomerate of 
fourteen clinics in neighborhoods throughout Lucas County, Ohio serving 
well the health care needs of thousands of people. Its clinics are a 
medical home for some of the most vulnerable among us and the services 
provided are life changing and life altering.
  It is impossible to separate the growth and success of the 
Neighborhood Health Association from Doni Miller. Her skill at 
selecting the right person for the job, providing opportunity and 
accomplishment, has been an important part of the organization's 
incredible achievements. Doni Miller has sacrificed and persevered to 
bring the agency to the outstanding organization it is today. She has 
initiated creative and unique approaches to continue to develop the 
Neighborhood Health Association, and nurtures talent along with her.
  Because of her intimate knowledge of health care delivery, Doni's 
counsel is sought after by many, including myself. Her knowledge and 
advice is respected and well-earned. She is equally known for her 
ardent support of the rights of women and people who are 
underprivileged. In addition to her role as CEO of the Neighborhood 
Health Association, Doni Miller also served as President of the Toledo 
Lucas County Port Authority, is a founding member of the Black Women's 
Democratic Caucus, and has served on several other Boards and 
Commissions. She has been a political analyst for local television 
including Conklin and Company and Toledo Up-front. For several years 
she has hosted Bridges, a local public affairs television program 
focusing on important social and economic issues facing our community 
and nation. Just a few of the recognitions awarded to her include the 
Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award, the YWCA Milestones Award, the state 
Democratic Women's Caucus Award, the African American Legacy Award and 
the 2016 NAACP Freedom Fund Award.
  Her most important role is that of mother to a young woman successful 
in her own right. Doni Miller is a true community leader. Her 
abilities, compassion and leadership have lifted up community. She 
notes she is most inspired by Nelson Mandela's quote, ``The elimination 
of poverty is not charity, it is justice.'' Doni Miller truly lives 
this creed and I am so proud to join our citizens in paying tribute to 
her.

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