Emergency Preparedness
and Response
The COTS Emergency Preparedness and Response division helps healthcare organizations, public health agencies, emergency responders, and community partners strengthen their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from real-world, no notice and planned events. .
Through regional collaboration, planning, training, exercises, and real-time coordination, COTS supports a resilient healthcare system across Central, Southeast, and Southeast Central Ohio. Working in partnership with our Emergency Services and Trauma divisions, we help ensure coordinated care and improved outcomes during mass casualty incidents, infectious disease outbreaks, and other healthcare emergencies.
COTS coordinates the Central Ohio Regional Healthcare Emergency Preparedness (RHEP) Coalition and the Southeast/Southeast Central Ohio Healthcare Coalition (SEOHC), bringing together public and private sector partners to build capabilities that no other organization can achieve alone. In doing so, we provide value to our members and the community.
Member Benefits
COTS coalition partners gain access to valuable resources and services that enhance preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities, including regional healthcare coalition coordination, emergency preparedness planning and operational support, training, exercises, and professional development through COTS University, the Healthcare Incident Liaison (HIL), situational awareness and healthcare system monitoring, emergency communications and resource coordination, access to regional plans, tools, and best practices, and networking with peers.
Signature Programs and Services
Click here to learn the impact of federal funding on healthcare coalition coordination by COTS.
Click here to learn about the Healthcare Incident Liaison (HIL) - available 24/7/365.
Click here to learn about the COTS Regional EMStrike Team - provides specialized support during healthcare emergencies to help communities respond to incidents that exceed local capabilities. To join the EMStrike Team https://www.cotshealth.org/contact-us
Click here to learn about COTS University - delivers training and exercise programs that support coalition preparedness goals while creating opportunities for partners to share ideas, discuss challenges, and develop best practices,
Together, our members strengthen healthcare system resilience and improve the region’s ability to respond to emergencies of any size.
For Questions contact:
Jodi Keller, Central Region
Director of Healthcare System Emergency Preparedness/ Central Region Healthcare Coordinator
Office Phone: (614)255-4407
Kelsey Blackburn, Southeast/Southeast Central Region
SE/SEC Emergency Manager/ Regional Healthcare Coordinator
Office Phone: (614)255-4405
For more information on joining your local healthcare coalition click the map.
Regions 4, 7, and 8 have been identified as Zone 2 by Governor DeWine for the COVID-19 Response. Click here for the map of the Zones