Article from the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3)
March 2025 Quarterly Newsletter – Spring Edition
homelandsecurity.ohio.gov

Ohio Utilities Protection Service (dba OHIO811), established in 1972, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization serving as Ohio’s “Call Before You Dig” notification center. OHIO811 serves as the communication link between those who intend to dig and those who own, operate, and/or maintain underground utility facilities. Each year, OHIO811 processes approximately 1.5 million excavation notifications which identify 10.5 million potential critical infrastructure sites near excavation locations.

As a public safety organization, OHIO811 provides expertise on underground utility damage prevention and leads Ohio’s efforts to protect its critical infrastructure through statewide messaging. Their decade-long partnership with Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) bolsters protections for the state’s 11.8 million residents. Discover more at www.OHIO811.org.

Jaime Gillen is the Director of Public Relations and Communications with OHIO811 and became an OP3 Ambassador in January of 2025. OP3 Ambassadors support the program’s growth by guiding its development and acting as a “force-multiplier.” They assist with workshops, conferences, networking, offer suggestions, advocate for the program and represent OP3 during EOC activations. Ambassadors meet once a month and help manage their Ohio Homeland Security (OHS) region. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador reach out to Gary Lehman at: OP3@dps.ohio.gov or call 614-915-8870.