Mlnarik receives award for service to hospital board of trustees

On Oct. 16, John Mlnarik of Clearwater, president of Antelope Memorial Hospital's Board of Trustees, was recognized as the winner of the Nebraska Hospital Association's 2024 Trustee of the Year Award. The award ceremony was held during the Nebraska Hospital Association annual convention at Embassy Suites in LaVista.

Diane Brugger, AMH chief executive officer, nominated Mlnarik for the prestigious award, highlighting his contributions as a leader at AMH.

Mlnarik has been a member of the AMH Board of Trustees since joining in 1985, currently serving as board president. Through the years, he's volunteered hundreds of hours in providing leadership and helping to ensure AMH meets the medical needs of area residents. He has demonstrated a strong dedication for improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes by supporting AMH's administration, providers and staff.

For 39 years, Mlnarik has provided hospital governance at AMH for numerous new additions and remodeling projects. This includes the addition of AMH's surgical, emergency care and OP specialty clinic area, built in 2005. He also helped raise funds for this project, rallying the spirit of philanthropy in area communities.

In recent years, he's provided guidance for the remodeling of AMH's nursing floor and the creation of its new infusion room and pharmacy. The pharmacy helps ensure all local residents are able to have their prescriptions filled in town.

"It was a great honor and truly surprising to win this special award," said Mlnarik. "I don't think I did anything different than anyone else would, especially with a large family. In a small community, you have to volunteer. In the past, I've served on the town board, chamber, fire department and EMS. Later, I was asked to be on AMH's board of trustees. However, I never realized until later when we had our own family and grandchildren - just how much it meant to have a hospital nearby. And I'd really like to share with others – that it's important to volunteer in your local community. It makes all the difference."

Since March 2019, Brugger has served as AMH's CEO and worked closely with Mlnarik.

"John and I have a strong working relationship with clear communication and mutual respect," said Brugger. "This collaboration is critical for the hospital's success and financial viability."

"Through the years, I feel John has played a key role at AMH," added Brugger. "As a businessman, his leadership and expertise have been invaluable. As a family man, his heartfelt intent has always been about providing the highest quality of care possible to our patients. It's truly been an honor and a privilege to work with him."