02/04/2026

Modernizing OAPA Regions to Better Serve Our Members

As the PA profession continues to expand across Ohio, it’s important that OAPA adapts to change as well. With the number of active PA licensees in Ohio more than doubling in the past decade, and many more Ohio PA programs having launched, OAPA works to remain responsive to the profession's changing nature.

To ensure fair representation, meaningful engagement, and responsible use of our volunteer and financial resources, this week the OAPA Board of Directors approved a thoughtful realignment of our regional boundaries.

How OAPA Regions Work

Ohio’s seven regions are defined by the first three digits of zip codes and are each represented by a Regional Director. These Directors are elected by eligible members in their region for a two-year term and serve on the OAPA Board of Directors. They also coordinate regional educational dinners and networking events and help to elevate issues important to PAs in their local communities.

When evaluating our regional structure, the Board focused on creating regions that more appropriately balance:

• The total number of active PA licensees
• The number of PA programs
• The geographic size and manageability of each region

After reviewing the data and engaging in careful discussion, the Board voted to redraw the regional map to better reflect today’s PA landscape in Ohio and improve equity, access, and engagement for our Ohio PA community.

What’s Changing

Five of the seven regions have been adjusted. Regions 6 and 7, covering the greater Dayton and Cincinnati areas, remain unchanged, as they did not require realignment.

Here is a summary of the updates:

• Region 1 has expanded beyond Cleveland-area zip codes 440 and 441 east of the Cuyahoga River to now include zip codes 442, 443, 444, and 445 (previously in Region 3).
• Region 2 has expanded beyond Cleveland-area zip codes 440 and 441 west of the Cuyahoga River to include zip codes 448 (previously in Region 5) and 449 (previously in Region 4).
• Region 3, representing eastern Ohio, has released its northernmost zip codes to Region 1 and absorbed zip codes 437, 438, and 457 from Region 4, creating a more cohesive southeastern region.
• Region 4, covering central and southern Ohio, remains the largest geographically, but has transferred several zip codes to Regions 2 and 3.
• Region 5 has released zip code 448 to Region 2, resulting in a more clearly defined northwestern region.

Previous Map

New Map

What to Expect Next

We are currently working with our software partner to update member accounts based on home zip codes within the revised regions. This process may take some time, and we appreciate your patience as these changes are implemented.

By right-sizing OAPA’s regions, we are positioning the organization to strengthen member engagement, support the volunteer Regional Director role, and more effectively advance OAPA’s strategic goals. We’re confident these updates will serve our growing membership well, now and into the future.

Thank you for your continued support, your flexibility, and your commitment to the Ohio PA community. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to oapa@ohiopa.com.