The CMA’s Public Policy Committee is taking important steps to amplify the voices of central Ohio physicians during this time of attacks on evidence-based medicine and severe funding cuts. 

Physician voices are incredibly important to help shape public policy in Ohio. Having physicians like Sen. Beth Liston, MD, (D) District 12 and Rep. Anita Somani, MD (D) District 8 in the Ohio legislature is invaluable to ensuring policy matters are analyzed from a healthcare lens. Additionally, it is more critical now than ever that legislators hear directly from us. 

The Public Policy Committee convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss its policy and advocacy goals and how to help physicians share their expertise. With so much occurring at the state and federal levels, they are tasked with identifying the priority areas where physicians can make a difference for the practice of medicine, physicians, and community health.

While this committee moves forward with this important work, we will soon reignite our Advocacy Community, a space where all CMA physicians and affiliates can come together to learn, discuss timely policy issues, and connect directly with colleagues who understand the importance of and share a passion for advocacy.

There are a number of actions you can take right now:

• Advocate for HPP Funding: HPP is the primary source of funding for health care preparedness and response nationwide, which is managed by COTS in 36 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Through the federal reconciliation process of breaking federal appropriations into smaller bills by subject matter, the U.S. Senate approved the bill that includes HPP funding. It is now being considered by the House Appropriations Committee before moving to the full house.
  • Contact Ohio’s two representatives on the House Appropriations Committee and ask them to maintain HPP funding:
    • Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D), OH-9, (202) 225-4146, marcy.kaptur@mail.house.gov
      
    • Rep. David Joyce (D), OH-14, (202) 225-5731, david.joyce@mail.house.gov
    • Find key messages about the risk of funding cuts here.
• Join our Advocacy Community: Details on upcoming meetings will be posted on this page soon.
• Take our Advocacy Training: These trainings were developed with former CMA President and current Ohio Senator Dr. Beth Liston, and detail how to effectively engage in the public policy process.
• Find your Legislators and Community Leaders: Make sure you are up to date on who represents you and you know how to contact them when you are ready to advocate for an issue. 
• Read our Advocacy Alerts and Take Action: All alerts are found on this page and are also sent via email. If you are not receiving CMA emails, please check your junk or spam folders, or contact Lynn Manoogian at lmanoogian@columbusmedicalassociation.org. 
• Ensure you are Registered to Vote: The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is October 6. Also review the voter identification requirements as they have changed in the past few years.

During this divisive time, we know we are better together. By uniting our voices, we can better protect evidence-based medicine, strengthen physician leadership, and ensure healthier communities across Ohio.