Remembering Mitch
John Kitzhaber, M.D.
Emergency Physician - Former Three Term Governor State of Oregon
Oregon lost a statesman, a tireless advocate of universal coverage, and a lovely human being with the passing of Mitch Greenlick on Friday. I had the great good fortune to know and work with Mitch for over thirty years In 1988, I had an adjunct professorship in the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the University of Oregon Medical School when Mitch was the department chairman. We were working on a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust to develop the foundations of the priority list for the Oregon Health Plan, which was implemented six years later. In 2011, Mitch was a key architect of the Coordinated Care Organizations which now provide quality, affordable health care to over a million Oregonians.
Mitch was an old-fashioned, no holds barred, take no prisoners champion of social justice. His candor got him into trouble at the end – a candor which perhaps should have been applauded, not punished. We will miss his unvarnished and blunt approach, speaking truth to power and saying things that needed to be said; asking questions that needed to be asked. And at his side, always, was his dear wife and co-conspirator Harriet who, together, became greater than the sum of their parts in service to our great state.
He was as warm and gentle a human being as ever graced this earth. He will be missed, but perhaps we can find some comfort in the knowledge that his life touched ours and that his many compassionate contributions will continue to live and touch the lives of so many others.
District Attorney at Clackamas County
4 年I don’t want to speak ill of someone who has passed, but I have noticed that the photos of him now are all of him smiling gently. For those of us on the enforcement side of criminal justice, this was not the face that he showed us. Let’s a fair and balanced remembrance and not re-write some of our history.
Healthcare Policy / Interim / Permanent Management / Reorganization Support
4 年Mitch was always interested in healthcare and what was best for the people of Oregon. The state will miss an advocate and a really sharp mind. He worked for universal healthcare for all residents of Oregon throughout his career and professional life. Lastly and maybe most importantly he was a very curious person, always asking questions and trying to understand new concepts. He will be missed.
Guiding people to see their best selves for over 30 years.
4 年We have lost a great teacher, leader and clear thinker. Mitch taught me how to notice what I usually wouldn't have noticed. He was patient, kind and cared about being fair and just to all. I will hold Mitch's memory close to my heart always. A life well lived. My sincere condolences to Harriet and Mitch's family. He spoke of you all with great love.
CEO | COO | CFO | HEALTH SYSTEMS DESIGN AND OPERATIONS | START-UPS HEALTH-RELATED COMPANIES | TURNAROUNDS | PROFITS | GROWTH | ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, BELMONT UNIVERSITY
4 年Well said John, Mitch was a man of integrity, keen intelligence, and compassion. His example of statesmanship and public service across partisan self interest serves as a model and my hope is that his legacy informs those who succeed in such service.
CEO Welcome Home Health, Digital Health and Remote Care Transitions Speaker; SheEO- 2020 US Venture, SheEO Activator, Emerging Technology Leader, Inaugural member Catalyst HTI,
4 年He was one of my college professors!