OSTEOFACTS | State Surpasses 10,000 COVID Deaths; Vaccine Rollout a Work in Progress

January 15, 2021

	DeWine: Vaccine Rollout a “Work in Progress” At a briefing this week Gov. Mike DeWine asked Ohioans to be patient, saying the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout is a “work in progress.” He expects to receive about 100,000 vaccines for the week but demand continues to exceed supply. As reported previously, Phase 1B starts next week and will first focus on vaccinating Ohioans age 80 and older. Each week after, five-year age groups will be phased in (i.e., 75+, 70+, and 65+). In addition, individuals age 18 and older (Moderna vaccine) or age 16 and older (Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine) with severe congenital, developmental, or early onset medical disorders that make them particularly vulnerable will be eligible for vaccination beginning the week of January 25. K-12 teachers and staff in schools that commit to returning to full in-class or hybrid learning by March 1 will be eligible for vaccination beginning the week of February 1. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) launched a tool this morning to assist Ohioans looking for a provider that has been allotted vaccines. The tool is searchable by zip code or county, but will not be updated in real-time. ODH is also in the process of developing a state vaccination scheduling system. There are 1,900 vaccine providers currently enrolled. ODH is still recruiting primary care physician sites to enroll in the COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Program. Separately, ODH also invites any licensed health care professional to join the Medical Reserve Corps to help with administering vaccine. See the flyer for details. According to the vaccine dashboard, 361,603 vaccines have been administered statewide as of this morning. That equals 3.09% of the population. Ohio is close to completing the first round of vaccines in all skilled nursing facilities.
	State Tops 10,000 COVID-19 Deaths Ohio reached another grim milestone today when 67 COVID-19 fatalities were reported this afternoon, putting the death toll at 10,057. A Statehouse reporter noted the figure is more people than live in Wapakoneta and is greater than the populations of 31 county seats in Ohio. COVID-19 deaths accelerated throughout December and into January, with more than one-third of all fatalities being reported in the past six weeks. In addition, all 88 counties continue to have a level of spread that is at least three times more than what the CDC considers high incidence. On the latest coronavirus map, Hamilton County is the sole Level 4/Purple designation with two others, Lorain and Clermont, on the watch list. Eighty-four counties are red or purple. Two key metrics show the number of cases per capita has increased statewide while ICU utilization has decreased slightly. In his briefing yesterday, Gov. Mike DeWine said the latter is a lagging indicator. He noted there’s not been a dramatic surge yet from the Christmas and New Years holiday.
	Petitioners Ask for 30 Medical Conditions to be Considered During the 2020 submission period, the State Medical Board of Ohio received 30 petitions for potential new qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. On the list are ADHD, arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, terminal illness, and other conditions. The SMBO Medical Marijuana Committee is expected to determine which petitions will be considered at its February 10 meeting. A final vote on new qualifying conditions is expected this summer. According to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, a petition for a condition that has been previously reviewed by the board and rejected will not be considered by unless new scientific research that supports the request is offered. There are currently 22 qualifying conditions.
	Ohio Senate Announces Committees Senate President Matt Huffman unveiled a revised slate of committees, their chairs, and member assignments today. There are now 16 standing committees for the chamber, an increase of two over the prior General Assembly. They are: Agriculture & Natural Resources Energy & Public Utilities Finance Financial Institutions & Technology Government Oversight & Reform Health Insurance Judiciary Local Government & Elections Primary & Secondary Education Rules & Reference Small Business & Economic Opportunity Transportation Veterans & Public Safety Ways & Means Workforce & Higher Education Sen. Terry Johnson, DO, will serve as chair the Workforce & Higher Education Committee, vice-chair of the Veterans & Public Safety Committee, and a member of the Health Committee. Sen. Steve Huffman will chair the Health Committee.
	Refinance Your Student Loan A survey from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine found that nearly 86 percent of graduates begin their careers with an average debt of $240,000. Refinancing your student loan can save you thousands of dollars, depending on your current balance and interest rate. The OOA and AOA have partnered with SoFi to bring members—including students and residents—a complete solution for their student loan needs. SoFi is a leading student loan refinancing provider. The process is fast, easy, and all online. Complete a simple online application to get prequalified in minutes.
	Volunteer and DO Your Part There are several ways to become involved with the OOA. These are a few of the short and long-term opportunities related to education. Sign up at the OOA website. Education Committee. Help develop continuing medical education programs for your fellow physicians. The OOA strives to deliver well-constructed education programs that offer clinically relevant, innovative, and timely information that physicians can immediately put to use in their practice. CME Presenter. Your patient-centered expertise underscores the osteopathic approach to wellness. Share your knowledge with your peers. Register your interest in serving as a lecturer at a CME seminar. CME Questionnaire. Take a few minutes to tell us about emerging medical topics and issues you’d like to learn more about. What patient ailments do you see most often that could be addressed through educational programming? What treatment modalities would you like to have covered at a CME event?
	#ThisIsOurShot Since physicians are among the most trusted voices when it comes to information about COVID-19, you play an important role to combat vaccine hesitancy. Leading by example is one way to help educate Ohioans about the COVID-19 vaccine. Many physicians are posting this historic moment on social media with the hashtag #ThisIsOurShot, with the hope to inspire and reassure others that the vaccine is safe and necessary to eventually achieve herd immunity. Send us your vaccination photo and we’ll share it on OOA social media accounts. Email your picture to cmarkino@OhioDO.org.

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We’re compiling a list, but are only aware of the appointments if the OOA submits them. Otherwise, assume we do not know. Please email the name of the entity and your term duration to ctatman@OhioDO.org.