At the Columbus Medical Association, advocacy is one of the most important ways we deliver value to physicians. 

By bringing physicians together to speak with a unified voice, the CMA helps shape the future of healthcare in Central Ohio—advancing policies that support physicians, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the health of our community. 

The CMA’s Public Policy Committee plays a central role in this work. 

Two Local Priorities Where Physicians Can Make a Real Difference 

In addition to supporting statewide and local legislative initiatives that affect physicians and patients, the Public Policy Committee has identified two key priority areas where Central Ohio physicians can have a meaningful local impact: 

• Infant & Maternal Health Equity  
• Immunization & Vaccination Trust  

These priorities reflect urgent public health challenges and areas where physicians are uniquely positioned to lead. 

Partnering with Public Health Leaders 

To ensure the committee’s work aligns with broader community efforts, the Public Policy Committee recently welcomed Edward Johnson, Assistant Health Commissioner at Columbus Public Health. 

Johnson shared insights on several pressing public health issues facing the region, including: 

• Rising overdose deaths in Central Ohio  
• Maternal and infant health disparities  
• Declining childhood vaccination rates  
• Mental health crisis response models that prioritize care over law enforcement involvement  

These discussions helped reinforce the importance of physician leadership and collaboration with local public health organizations. 

Advancing Infant & Maternal Health Equity 

One area of focus was Columbus Public Health’s “Hope at Home” program, which integrates mental health professionals into home-visiting services for new mothers and families. 

The program has shown encouraging results in improving maternal mental health and supporting healthier outcomes for infants. However, its future depends on continued funding and advocacy. 

But there is more to be done to shift the current health outcomes for mothers and babies, and physicians play an important role in elevating the importance of these programs and supporting policies that address maternal and infant health disparities. 

Building Trust in Vaccination 

The committee also discussed challenges related to vaccine confidence, particularly in communities where trust in government and healthcare institutions may be limited. 

Vaccination rates for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) remain below desired levels in some neighborhoods, including among Ukrainian and Somali families. Committee members and public health leaders explored how physicians can serve as trusted messengers by engaging directly with communities, schools, and faith organizations. 

This work is not simply about sharing data—it is about building relationships and trust. 

Why This Work Matters 

Advocacy is a core benefit of CMA membership. 

The association provides physicians with a respected and organized platform to: 

• Influence healthcare policy  
• Address local public health challenges  
• Represent the physician perspective in the media  
• Collaborate with public officials and community partners  
• Improve healthcare delivery across Central Ohio  

When physicians work together, their collective voice carries greater impact. 

Get Involved 

The CMA Public Policy Committee welcomes physicians who want to help shape the future of healthcare in our community. 

Opportunities to Participate 

• Provide testimony on key healthcare issues before local or state policymakers. Sign up here to be alerted when there are opportunities to provide your expertise.
• Serve as a media spokesperson on healthcare-related topics. Sign up here to be addd to our list of experts.
• Attend a Public Policy Committee meeting to learn more and contribute your expertise. Contact us to be added to the list.
• Support advocacy efforts that protect patients and strengthen the practice of medicine. Read the CMA News email newsletter and watch for additional email alerts to get updates and learn how you can help.

Join the Conversation

Your voice matters. 

Whether your passion is maternal health, vaccine confidence, physician wellness, or healthcare policy in general, the Columbus Medical Association offers a meaningful way to make an impact beyond your practice.