COTS

10/13/2026

🔐 Strong Passwords, Stronger Security! 💻 Create long, unique passwords for every account. Use a password manager to keep them secure and save yourself the hassle of remembering them all! 💾✅

10/13/2026

🔋Charge Safely! When charging on a plane, ✈️ keep portable chargers & devices on the tray table. Never charge devices in overhead compartments. Keep batteries visible so the flight crew can respond quickly if a battery overheats or fails. 🛡️

10/13/2026

Franklin County residents, renters, and businesses impacted by the August severe storms can connect with recovery specialists at the Disaster Recovery Center at the Reynoldsburg Community Church ✅ No appointment needed!

10/13/2026

🌍 , the world’s largest earthquake drill, is this Thursday! ⏰
Take your drill to the next level:
🏠 Secure your space
🧰 Prep disaster kits
💰 Reduce financial risk
Learn more with the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety: https://ow.ly/x2rj50WXNAa

10/12/2026

This week, we pause to recognize the emergency nurses throughout Ohio for the vital role they play in caring for patients and strengthening our community.

From responding to critical situations to providing comfort during moments of uncertainty, you bring expertise, empathy, and resilience to some of healthcare's most challenging environments.

To the emergency nurses who serve our communities every day: thank you for your unwavering commitment to patient care.

10/06/2026

Nearly one-third of adults in the US are now using AI tools for health information every month.

But convenience comes with important questions: How reliable is the information? What happens when AI doesn’t have the full context of a patient’s health history? And when does a seemingly simple question cross into medical advice?

In this month’s Ask the Doc column in The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Medical Association Board Member Andrew Detty, MD, takes a practical look at how patients are using AI for health questions, where it may be useful, and where physician guidance remains essential.

He also shares important considerations for accuracy, privacy, source-checking, and how patients can use AI to better prepare for conversations with their physician — without letting it replace those conversations altogether.

To state the obvious, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere – and use for health information is no exception. People are increasingly seeking health information and advice from AI.

09/23/2026

September is Women in Medicine Month, a time to celebrate the women physicians who care for our communities, lead change, and help shape the future of medicine.

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Laura Espy-Bell, MD. Dr. Espy-Bell serves as System Medical Chief of Health Equity for OhioHealth, is a practicing emergency medicine physician, and is also the founder of Made for Medicine.

Dr. Espy-Bell has long been passionate about representation in medicine and creating opportunities for the next generation. In 2021, she founded Made for Medicine to introduce and prepare young people for careers in medicine through hands-on learning, mentorship, academic enrichment, and access to physician role models.

Her work is helping more young people see what’s possible and is building a stronger, more representative future for medicine.

During Women in Medicine Month, we celebrate Dr. Espy-Bell and the many women physicians using their voices, leadership, and experience to make a difference in our community and beyond.

09/18/2026

Federal funding that helps hospitals and healthcare partners prepare for disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies is once again under threat.

Proposed cuts to the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) would significantly weaken the infrastructure that hospitals, EMS agencies, public health departments, emergency management agencies, and community partners rely on to prepare for and respond to emergencies. This infrastructure is especially important for rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, long-term care facilities, and medically underserved communities that may have limited emergency-management staffing, specialty resources, transportation capacity, or purchasing power.

COTS serves as the Healthcare Coalition for 36 counties across Central, Southeast, and Southeast Central Ohio, connecting more than 1,000 healthcare, emergency response, and community partners.

We are urging physicians, healthcare professionals, and community partners to learn more about the proposed changes and to take action to protect HPP funding and Ohio’s regional preparedness infrastructure.

Find out how you can speak up to advocate today: https://bit.ly/4hbrWO2

09/17/2026

National Su***de Prevention Month is an important reminder to check in with ourselves and the people around us. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and reaching out for support can make a difference.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.

09/08/2026

We’re Hiring!

COTS is looking for a Healthcare Coalition Coordinator who is passionate about emergency preparedness and response in Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio.

Join a team that unites healthcare, emergency response, and community partners to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

If you—or someone you know—would be a great addition to the COTS team, we’d love to hear from you!

👉 View the position and apply -
https://www.cotshealth.org/careers

Please share with someone who may be a great fit!

We are physicians, healthcare professionals, and other experts working together to improve the health and safety of our communities