OSTEOFACTS | New OOA Project to Better Serve Members; 988 Day

09-06-24

September 6, 2024

	OOA Engages Vuma Business Solutions for Strategic Modernization Project The OOA and Vuma Business Solutions announced a strategic partnership to modernize and strengthen the association’s operations, outreach, and member engagement. Spearheaded by OOA Executive Director Heidi Weber, MBA, CAE, the collaboration comprises a comprehensive three-phase project designed to assess, strategize, and enhance OOA’s operational frameworks and marketing communications and to position the organization for future growth and continued excellence in the osteopathic medical profession. Vuma Business Solutions specializes in helping trade and professional associations, nonprofits, and individual membership organizations optimize their internal operations and amplify their market presence. Their expertise in strategic growth and communications as well as organizational efficiency and effectiveness made them the ideal partner to help OOA achieve its goals. “As OOA marks its 125th anniversary, our partnership with Vuma Business Solutions is pivotal in driving our evolution into a more innovative and forward-thinking organization,” Weber said. “Vuma’s expertise will not only fuel OOA’s growth and operational efficiency but will also position us to anticipate and meet the ever-changing needs of members as we embark on our next century.” The Vuma leadership team presented to the OOA Board of Trustees at its August 24 meeting. For more information, see the press release here.
	Volunteer Needed for Medicaid Committee The Ohio Department of Medicaid is seeking a DO to fill a vacant seat on the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee. The Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending medications and related products for the preferred drug list. The Unified Preferred Drug List (UPDL) is maintained through a review of current evidence-based medicine and based on the professional judgment of physicians, pharmacists, and other experts. Two DOs currently serve on the committee: Michael E. Dietz, DO, who represents the OOA, and Karen Jacobs, DO, who represents the Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association. Meetings are held quarterly, in person, at the Ohio Medicaid office in downtown Columbus. Committee members serve on a volunteer basis; there is not reimbursement for time, travel, parking, etc. The next meeting is October 9. More information about the committee is here. If interested, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.
	Advocate for Your Profession The Ohio Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OOPAC) has contributed to a number of candidates running for state legislative office. Now, we’re looking for DOs who are interested in attending informal gatherings to meet and talk with the candidates. The fundraising receptions and golf outings provide an opportunity to chat directly with those involved in health care legislation and policy. The OOA can provide talking points if needed. The current schedule includes: September 19 – Columbus, reception September 23 – Lima, golf outing and reception September 30, 6:00-7:30pm – Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland If you are able to attend or want more information, contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org. OOPAC supports candidates on both sides of the political aisle. Among the criteria is a candidate’s work on health care issues. A strong PAC helps to strengthen the osteopathic voice at the Ohio Statehouse. Read more about OOPAC here. State legislators are currently recessed for summer break. The Ohio House of Representatives plans to return to full sessions on November 20, and then has three definite session dates and three if-needed session dates in December, according to a schedule released this week. The Ohio Senate is to resume committee work later this month and the first of five potential lame duck sessions begins November 13.
	Seeking Speakers The OOA is a participating partner in the VOC, the Virtual Osteopathic Conference, and we are looking for faculty members in the subjects below. Fuller course descriptions are available. Faculty receive a stipend and free conference attendance. Lectures are pre-recorded. Find out more about the VOC faculty opportunities here. February 14-16, 2025 Live Virtual Conference On-Demand Available Assessment and Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies (respiratory distress, dehydration, anaphylaxis, seizures, and trauma) Pediatric Asthma - diagnosis, treatment, and controlling triggers Perinatal Care The VOC is a national continuing medical education (CME) program started in 2021 by the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon. Offering 48 credits of both AOA and AMA-accredited CME in a flexible format, the VOC has quickly gained popularity and recognition around the country, with over 2,000 physicians from throughout the United States attending. The audience includes both DOs and MDs from a wide variety of specialties. Contact Executive Director Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org if you are interested in becoming a VOC faculty member or know a colleague who may be interested.
	Upcoming Certifying Board Deadlines Application deadlines are quickly approaching. Below are deadlines in September and October for osteopathic certifying boards. Addiction Medicine initial primary and OCC written exams – Sept. 29 (final deadline) American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology OCC Longitudinal Assessment – Sept. 16 (first deadline), Oct. 31 (final deadline) American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry OCC Longitudinal Assessment - Sept. 16 (first deadline), Oct. 31 (final deadline) American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation initial primary written exam – Sept. 17 (final deadline) American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine initial subspecialty exams – Sept. 9 (final deadline) Pain Medicine initial written exam - Sept. 10 (final deadline) Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine initial primary and OCC recertification exam - Sept. 12 (final deadline) If you have questions, contact Chaunessie Baggett at CBaggett@osteopathic.org.
	Sunday is 988 Day September 8 will be observed in Ohio and across the nation as the First Annual 988 Day. The initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The day is also a key part of the broader September initiatives focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, such as National Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month. The OOA is proud to be one of many organizations around the country raising awareness throughout the month about the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental health. You can help! Use the theme “No Judgment. Just Help.” on your social media to positively promote 988. See the Ohio toolkit for graphics and sample messages (or simply share the OOA posts). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988.
	Atlantic Health is Your Partner for Vaccines Vaccines, believed to be one of the greatest medical advancements of the 20th century, are the most effective tools available to prevent infectious diseases. As summer subsides and the temperature cools, we’re reminded that respiratory virus season is right around the corner. To ensure your practice is equipped for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, the customer support team at Atlantic Health Partners can help with strategic planning and vaccine purchasing. As the nation’s leading vaccine purchasing group, Atlantic provides the necessary resources for clinicians to effectively and efficiently protect their patients from vaccine-preventable illnesses. For health care providers, managing the procurement of vaccines can be challenging. Atlantic assists more than 30,000 clinicians nationwide by offering cost-efficient vaccine prices, purchasing support, and program management assistance. Atlantic works directly with leading vaccine manufacturers to offer an array of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and travel vaccines. OOA members get free enrollment in the program. Call 1-800-741-2044 or email info@atlantichealthpartners.com for information.
	Walk or Run with TEAM OOA Each year at OMED, the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA) host the AT Still Fit for Life Fun Run, a timed 5K run/walk race with proceeds designated for AAOA’s Special Projects Grant Fund. The live event is Sunday, September 22, in San Antonio, but you can participate on TEAM OOA whether or not you attend OMED. TEAM OOA members are invited to walk or run at OMED or any time on their own during the September 20-22 weekend. OOA Past President and AOA Board Trustee Jennifer J. Hauler, DO, is honorary chair of the event and the OOA is a sponsor. The entry fee is $35. Register here and be sure to select TEAM OOA in the dropdown box. For questions, contact Heidi Weber at hweber@OhioDO.org.