Creating a Resilient Future

photo of red veterinary truck on a farm with the words Protect One Health in Ohio

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine's Protect One Health in Ohio (Protect OHIO) initiative is addressing the shortage of large animals veterinarians in rural Ohio and safeguarding Ohio's agricultural economy.

Backed by Gov. Mike DeWine, state legislators and other stakeholders, Protect OHIO adopts a One Health approach — integrating animal, human and environmental health — to address pressing needs across Ohio's rural communities and livestock sectors.

With state budget funds secured, other college and university resources identified and additional stakeholder support in place, the college is moving quickly to implement Protect OHIO and deliver a measurable impact across the state.

INSPIRING. SUPPORTING. STRENGTHENING.

Protect OHIO: One Year of Impact

In its first year, Protect OHIO engaged students, supported the next generation of rural veterinarians and fostered partnerships that address Ohio's large animal veterinary shortage. Explore the annual report and learn how the initiative will continue to strengthen the future of rural veterinary medicine through statewide outreach, education and collaboration.

Students gather in the large animal facilities

invest in ohio

smiling male student with stethoscope and cow

Nearly one-third of Ohio's 88 counties are federally designated as rural veterinary shortage areas. Protect OHIO will deliver meaningful impact across our state by educating more veterinarians with a specific focus on enrolling more students from Ohio's rural communities, mentoring large animal and rural veterinarians, and expanding risk assessment and surveillance programs to protect Ohio's agricultural economy.

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    Enroll up to 35 more Ohio students per class year.

    Enhance student education, mentoring and other support programs by adding additional faculty and staff.

    Expand large animal hands-on training and rural community immersion opportunities.

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    Build a pipeline of Ohio students interested in careers in large animal and rural veterinary medicine by partnering with schools and youth development programs like 4-H and FFA. 

    Promote financial incentives, loan repayment, scholarships and tax breaks to veterinarians serving rural and underserved communities to increase success.

    Collaborate with rural communities to create incentive programs to recruit graduates and support sustainable veterinary practices.

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    Connect the college's expertise with university and statewide partners to coordinate surveillance, share data and improve response capabilities across agricultural sectors.

    Advance research, surveillance and outreach statewide by building on existing research programs to help producers and veterinarians prepare for disease events.

    Unite farmers, veterinarians, regulators, scientists, industry partners and communities - ready for whatever pathogen comes next.