The Columbus Medical Association, COTS, and our affiliates joined organizations across the country to recognize the importance of rural health this week for National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20. 

More than two million rural Ohioans rely on their local healthcare infrastructure—not only for essential care, but also as a cornerstone of their community’s economic and social well-being. COTS is proud to support rural health care by: 

• Coordinating the Emergency Preparedness Coalition, the Emergency Services Collaborative, and the Regional Trauma Organization that collectively serve 38 counties and more than 1,000 partners throughout central, southeast, and southeast central Ohio 
• Working directly with the 68 hospitals and freestanding emergency departments in its region to prepare for and coordinate the response during emergencies to improve patient outcomes
• Providing educational training for thousands of health care providers, first responders, and public health professionals 

Learn more about COTS and how to support this life-saving work at cotshealth.org.