Represent the OOA at Two Events Next Month

There are still two legislative events on the fundraising calendar. The Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OOPAC) has contributed to the candidates. Now, we’re looking for DOs who live in these areas who are interested in attending:

September 19 – Columbus, reception
September 23 – Lima, golf outing

These informal gatherings provide an opportunity to chat directly with lawmakers involved in health care legislation and policy. In addition, the OOA can provide talking points if needed.

Thank you to OOA members who have represented the profession at recent events: Paul T. Scheatzle, DO, attended a reception with State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth), and osteopathic medical students Bailey Hall, James Applegate, Austin Brown, Noah Le, and Garrett Woodfin participated at an event hosted by State Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin). They are all second-year students at HCOM-Dublin campus.

OOPAC supports candidates on both sides of the political aisle. Among the criteria is a candidate’s work on health care issues. A strong PAC helps to open doors and strengthen the osteopathic voice at the Ohio Statehouse. Read more about OOPAC here.

If you are able to attend or want more information, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.

Seeking Volunteer for P&T Committee

The Ohio Department of Medicaid is seeking a DO to fill a vacant seat on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.

The Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending medications and related products for the preferred drug list. The Unified Preferred Drug List (UPDL) is maintained through a review of current evidence-based medicine and based on the professional judgment of physicians, pharmacists, and other experts.

Two DOs currently serve on the committee: Michael E. Dietz, DO, who represents the OOA, and Karen Jacobs, DO, who represents the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association.

Meetings are held quarterly, in person, at the Ohio Medicaid office in downtown Columbus. Committee members serve on a volunteer basis; there is not reimbursement for time, travel, parking, etc. The next meeting is October 9. More information about the committee is here.

If interested in serving, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber, hweber@OhioDO.org.

Ohio Speakers Needed for the VOC

The OOA is a participating partner in the VOC, the virtual osteopathic conference, and we are looking for faculty members in the subjects below. Fuller course descriptions are available. Faculty receive a stipend and free conference attendance. Lectures are pre-recorded. Find out more about the VOC faculty opportunities here.

February 14-16, 2025
Live Virtual Conference
On-Demand Available

1. Assessment and Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies (respiratory distress, dehydration, anaphylaxis, seizures, and trauma)
2. Pediatric Asthma - diagnosis, treatment, and controlling triggers
3. Perinatal Care

The VOC is a national continuing medical education (CME) program started in 2021 by the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon. Offering 48 credits of both AOA and AMA-accredited CME in a flexible format, the VOC has quickly gained popularity and recognition around the country, with over 2,000 physicians from throughout the United States attending. The audience includes both DOs and MDs from a wide variety of specialties.

Contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org if you are interested in becoming a VOC faculty member or know a colleague who may be interested.

Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Convenes Researchers

The Osteopathic Heritage Foundation recently hosted the Endowed Researcher Convening in Dublin, promoting team science, collaboration and health care innovation.

Since 2000, the Foundation has established ten research and professional development endowments at seven colleges of osteopathic medicine across the US. Currently, the endowments support 16 researchers conducting biomedical and translational research leading to advances in patient care, while fostering the education and professional development of the next generation of osteopathic physician researchers and medical educators. In academic year 2022-2023, combined endowment values totaled $35.6 million.

The convening provided a forum for endowed researchers to share current areas of focus; recognize the collective impact of their work; and contemplate the future of biomedical and translational research conducted at colleges of osteopathic medicine.

Learn more here.

Medical Board Releases Annual Report

The State Medical Board of Ohio released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024. There are now 8,520 licensed osteopathic physicians in Ohio.

The report includes updates on the current board; communication and outreach efforts; licensure activity; case management; Board actions; treatment and compliance; public records responses; and more.

Read the report here.

State Issues Statement Regarding Hospital Closings

Two hospitals and several satellite health care facilities in Trumbull County are set to close following an announcement last week by Texas-based parent company Steward Health Care Systems. The last day of operations for both Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital is slated for September 19 after Steward has been unsuccessful so far in finding a buyer for the facilities after declaring bankruptcy in May of this year. Steward had previously closed Northside Regional Medical Center in Youngstown after acquiring facilities in Ohio in 2018.

In a joint statement, Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, wrote:

We are deeply saddened by this news. We take seriously the potential loss of any health care provider, and we understand the deep connections that can be formed between a hospital and the community it serves.

The corporate leadership of Steward Health Care must be held accountable to ensure they are actively working to support their local doctors while they work with patients and their families to find the best possible care alternative. While they have committed to do so, we will actively work with the local health care community to ensure they properly follow through on that pledge.

Nevertheless, we are optimistic that area residents will still be able to access quality care close to home. As many local residents are aware, Mercy Health St. Joseph Hospital is located close by (1.5 miles away) and Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown (a large facility with more than 400 beds) is less than 15 miles away.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide whatever support we can for the region and its health care providers.

Recent news stories about the closing are here:

Unprecedented: Two Northeast Ohio hospitals are slated to shut down in September

Struggling Ohio city pushes back against hospital closures

Medical workers rally to save jobs at Trumbull Regional, Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital

Trumbull Regional Medical Center diverting ambulances to other hospitals

Two Ohio Counties Rank in Top 50 for Health

Two Ohio counties have been ranked among the top 50 healthiest counties in the nation in US News & World Report’s 2024 Healthiest Community Rankings. Delaware County placed 12th, while Union County took the 50th spot.

Two other counties scored in the top 100: Medina ranked 70th overall and Warren, 70th.

Delaware County, which dropped two spots from 2022, had an overall score of 87 out of 100. The study found that 4.4% of the population lacked health insurance (which is below the national average of 11.5%); an obesity prevalence of 35.8% (below the national average of 37.4%); and a diabetes prevalence of 8.3% (below the national average of 10.6%).

Union County, which was 65th in 2022, earned an overall score of 80, with a smoking rate of 15% (national average 19%); life expectancy of 78.9 years (national average 75.8 years); and obesity prevalence of 35.5%.

The rankings evaluate nearly 3,000 counties nationwide across 92 metrics in 10 health and health-related categories including: population health; equity; education; economy; housing; food and nutrition; environment; public safety; community vitality; and infrastructure.

See the complete rankings here.

Tomorrow is Overdose Awareness Day

With a goal of raising awareness, supporting communities in the fight against drug addiction, and remembering loved ones lost to the epidemic, the state will observe Ohio Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The state observance, which coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day, was officially sanctioned in 2021, when Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed SB 30, sponsored by Sen. Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls), into law.

Two new toolkits have been developed to help communities plan and host events in recognition of the Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month, which is observed in September. Social media graphics and posts, flyers, and digital ads are included. Get more information here.

In related news, the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring (OSAM) Network released its latest drug trend report. The Surveillance of Drug Use Trends in the State of Ohio covers July to December 2023.

The OSAM Network consists of eight regional epidemiologists in Akron-Canton, Athens, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown. The Network conducts focus groups and individual qualitative interviews with active and recovering drug users and community professionals (treatment providers, law enforcement officials, etc.) to produce epidemiological descriptions of local substance abuse trends. Qualitative findings are supplemented with available statistical data such as coroner’s reports and crime laboratory data. Mass media sources such as local newspapers are also monitored for information related to substance abuse trends.

10 Million Steps Campaign Returns

The 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign, held annually by the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is next month, and ODA is asking community partners to host local walking groups and events to raise awareness of older adult falls.

The annual campaign encourages Ohioans of all ages to walk at least one mile during the month of September. Last year the campaign exceeded its goals as it saw Ohioans from across the state log more than 58 million steps, a total of more than 23,000 miles. That total is equivalent to more than 21 trips around Ohio’s perimeter or 46 round trip drives between Cleveland and Cincinnati. All told, 41 walking groups and 10,294 participants contributed to the totals.

Any organization can host walking groups or events. Walking events are held at a specific time and location for individuals to gather and walk together. A walking group can consist of two or more individuals walking together or separately on one or more occasions. Individuals, groups, and organizations interested in hosting a walking event or group can find planning guides and register their event at the 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls webpage here.

Besides providing Ohioans with an opportunity for exercise, 10 Million Steps events encourage the community to learn about other things they can do and local resources available to help prevent falls. Regular exercise is one of many things people can do to lower their risk of falling.

Approximately one in three Ohioans age 65 or older will fall this year. STEADY U Ohio is a falls prevention initiative to coordinate and strengthen falls prevention activities around the state. Falls prevention tips and resources are available at here.

Walk or Run with TEAM OOA

Each year at OMED, the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) host the AT Still Fit for Life Fun Run, a timed 5K run/walk race with proceeds designated for AAOA’s Special Projects Grant Fund. The live event is Sunday, September 22, in San Antonio, but you can participate on TEAM OOA whether or not you attend OMED.

TEAM OOA members are invited to walk or run at OMED or any time on their own during the September 20-22 weekend.

OOA Past President and AOA Board Trustee Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, is honorary chair of the event and the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation is a sponsor.

The entry fee is $35. Register here and be sure to select TEAM OOA in the dropdown box. For questions, contact Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.