COTS

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

09/02/2026

Recent severe weather across Central Ohio has been an important reminder that emergencies can happen quickly and have lasting impacts.

At COTS, we work alongside healthcare organizations and community partners across 36 Ohio counties to strengthen readiness, coordination, and response so that when the worst happens, the best are ready.

This National Preparedness Month, take a few simple steps to prepare at home, at work, and wherever you spend time in our community. Review your emergency plan, check your supplies, and know where to get trusted alerts.

08/20/2026

🚍 Back-to-school season is here! Please slow down, stay alert, and remember: yellow lights mean prepare to stop, and red lights with the stop arm extended mean STOP. Give our kids the space and time they need to get to and from school safely. 💙

Back to School! 🚌 🍎 ✏️

Yellow lights on a school bus mean drivers should prepare to stop. If you’re driving, slow down, stay alert, and watch out for children. When you see red lights and a stop sign: for school buses!

08/14/2026

Before an emergency happens, emergency managers are already hard at work.

August is National Emergency Management Recognition Month and tomorrow is Emergency Management Recognition Day!

We celebrate the professionals who help communities prepare for disasters, coordinate response efforts, and support recovery when emergencies occur. Their commitment helps protect lives, property, and critical services throughout Ohio.

The best way to honor their work? Be prepared. Learn about local hazards, sign up for emergency alerts, and make sure your emergency plan and supplies are up to date.

THANK YOU to the COTS emergency preparedness team for their behind the scenes support of 36 of Ohio's 88 counties! We are safer because of your leadership. (Jodi Keller, Kelsey Blackburn, Arin Tracy, Sierra Miller, and Jaquez Harris)

08/04/2026

Dr. Cotton, COTS Board member, and Dr. Vanderhoff, ODH, share important facts about the value of vaccines. https://www.youtube.com/live/g-8u5v5A-Gw

Please read, watch, and share.
Together, we are good health!

As families prepare for a new school year, National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder to make sure children are up to date on recommended vaccines.

In a recent column originally published in The Columbus Dispatch, retired pediatrician and longtime Columbus Medical Association member William Cotton, MD, addresses common questions parents have about vaccines. Dr. Cotton encourages parents and patients to discuss any concerns with a trusted healthcare provider and work together on a plan to protect themselves and their families from serious illness.

Read the column at the link in the comments.

08/04/2026

As families prepare for a new school year, National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder to make sure children are up to date on recommended vaccines.

In a recent column originally published in The Columbus Dispatch, retired pediatrician and longtime Columbus Medical Association member William Cotton, MD, addresses common questions parents have about vaccines. Dr. Cotton encourages parents and patients to discuss any concerns with a trusted healthcare provider and work together on a plan to protect themselves and their families from serious illness.

Read the column at the link in the comments.