COTS recently released their 2025 impact report, highlighting the important work they accomplished to close gaps, elevate standards, and ensure communities are prepared for both everyday emergencies and large-scale events. 

Highlights from 2025 include: 

• 12 activations of the Emergency Patient Transport Plan (EPTP) 
• Regional coordination for preparedness and response to major planned events—including The Arnold Sports Festival, Red, White & Boom, and OSU football games—and 17 large-scale unplanned incidents 
• Training of nearly 3,000 professionals in trauma, emergency care, and preparedness 

Find out more in the interactive COTS 2025 Impact Report here. 

All local media outlets covered the simulation and highlighted the importance of the training and preparation: 

• WSYX ABC 6: Behind the scenes at the Arnold: first responders run emergency simulations 
  
• WBNS 10TV: Several agencies leading safety preparations ahead of Arnold Sports Festival 
  
• WOSU: OhioHealth holds simulation training at Arnold Sports Festival ahead of high attendance weekend 
  
• Columbus Dispatch: As the Arnold arrives in Columbus, medical teams are ready for anything 

OhioHealth also shared a story about the event and the collaboration with COTS: How OhioHealth Team Kept Athletes and Visitors Safe at 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, March 9, 2026

SEOHC Healthcare Emergency Drills: On Thursday, March 5, the Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio Healthcare Coalition (SEOHC) held a coordinated full-scale emergency drill involving every hospital in Regions 7 and 8. The drill imagines many serious emergencies related to severe weather – flooding and road closures impacting the ability to transport patients with severe injuries, weeks of rain breaking down infrastructure and leading to an outbreak of a waterborne illness, a hospital forced to evacuate, and more.  

COTS activated their Hospital Incident Command Center and worked closely with each hospital and agency to manage the evolving scenarios and coordinate response efforts across the region. 

Several regional media outlets covered the drill: 

• St. Clairsville Times Leader: Full-scale emergency drill at Neighborhood Hospital today, March 5, 2026
• The Logan Daily News: Local hospital joins many others in emergency exercise, March 7, 2026
• Barnesville Area News: Hospitals Participate in Emergency Preparedness Exercise, March 7, 2026
  
  
  

• William Barson, MD 
• Jeffrey Bell, MD 
• Francis Blais, DO 
• Jeremy Burdge, MD 
• George Calloway, MD 
• G. Patrick Ecklar, MD 
• William Farrar, MD 
• Patrick Fahey, MD 
• Douglas Finnie, MD 
• Medard Lutmerding, MD
• Francine Rasco, MD 

2025 Physician Advocate Award 

Beth Liston, MD received the physician advocate award for her tireless efforts to advocate for physicians and patients in the Ohio legislature. Dr. Liston, a past president of the CMA, is serving her first term in the Ohio senate representing District 16 after serving three terms in the Ohio House. She has advocated for physicians and Ohioans for many worthy causes, like access to prescription medications for those who need it and protecting patients from predatory insurance practices amongst many other initiatives.  

Dr. Liston was not able to attend but shared a video to thank the organization for the award. 

Made for Medicine Impact Award 

Reversa Joseph, MD, received the inaugural Made for Medicine Impact Award. Dr. Joseph is a neurologist and a member of the core faculty for Made for Medicine. Program Director Ciara Stevens said, “She truly is remarkable in her tireless efforts to improve the health of individuals both near and far.” 

Physicians CareConnection Distinguished Service Award 

Two honorees were recognized for their service to the Physicians CareConnection and the PCC Center for Optimal Health. PCC President Isi Green presented the award to Francis X. Blais, DO, and Heather Slattery Woods, saying, “Their leadership, compassion, and steadfast commitment have strengthened our organization and our community. Both honorees have served as officers and volunteers, and guided PCC through seasons of growth, change, and challenge.”

CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award

Robert Lowe, MD, received the first CMA Foundation Marc L. Parnes, MD Service Award for his dedication and service that exemplifies the mission and vision of the CMA, CMA Foundation, and its affiliate organizations. 

This award was named in honor of Dr. Parnes, who has served more than 15 years as president and board member of the CMA Foundation. Dr. Lowe, an emergency medicine physician and longtime COTS Board Member, has led and volunteered with the entire CMA organization for nearly 20 years. 

“Together with his leadership, Dr. Lowe has strengthened our trauma, medical, and our emergency response systems,” said Foundation Board Chair Karen King, MD. “We are incredibly grateful, and we are all safer because of him.” 

COTS Mission Champion Award 

In the final award of the evening, William Cotton, MD, and Medard Lutmerding, MD, both received the COTS Mission Champion Award.  

“As longtime board members, they've led with vision, heart, and a true passion for community well-being. Their servant leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped COTS and the communities we serve,” said COTS President Sherri Kovach. 

PCC Participant Recognition 

To close out the awards portion of the evening, Physicians Leadership Academy Board President Maria Courser, MD, recognized the PLA graduates in attendance.