Resources for Partner Agencies and Organizations

Collage of community members representing the partner agencies and organizations working together to end HIV in central Ohio

Working Together as One 

Our shared mission is to create a world free of HIV. Together, we can support people who are living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS. Columbus Public Health helps our partners provide client-centered programs and services, meet grant compliance requirements and more. 

Ending the HIV Epidemic

Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America is a bold national plan to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030. Closer to home, the Ending the HIV Epidemic in Central Ohio Strategic Plan has identified how we can reduce new HIV infections in central Ohio by 75% within five years and by 90% within 10 years.

 

Treat

Treat people with HIV rapidly and effectively to reach sustained viral suppression, which may prevent up to 60% of new infections.

Diagnose

Diagnose all people with HIV as soon as possible, which may prevent 40% of new infections.

Prevent

Prevent new HIV transmissions, which may prevent 100% of new infections.

Respond

Respond quickly to potential HIV outbreaks to get needed prevention and treatment services to people who need them.

       

 

Central Ohio HIV Planning Alliance (COHPA)

The Central Ohio HIV Planning Alliance (COHPA) is the Ryan White Part A Planning Body, Ending the HIV Epidemic Executive Committee and HIV Prevention Advisory Group.

COHPA's purpose is to eliminate new HIV infections. COHPA plays a crucial role in coordinating HIV care and prevention efforts in central Ohio. The alliance is responsible for assessing community needs, making service priorities, and directing grant dollars to service categories based on comprehensive needs assessments, service usage, and the area's comprehensive plan.

At the heart of COHPA’s work is a commitment to the community. The alliance strongly encourages and invites diverse participation from the community, especially people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), to ensure decision-making reflects the real needs and experiences of those most affected. Engaging PLWHA and other community members strengthens programming, enhances accessibility, and fosters a more effective response in upholding a comprehensive plan to improve the organization and delivery of HIV services.

What We Do

The group meets monthly to:

  • Conduct needs assessments to identify HIV care and prevention services and populations in need of care.
  • Set priorities for HIV services in central Ohio.
  • Award Ryan White Part A funds to prioritized services.
  • Develop a plan for local service delivery through the Statewide Integrated Prevention and Care Plan.
  • Evaluate the efficiency of provider selection, payment and contract execution.

 

COHPA Planning Council

Ryan White federal legislation requires COHPA planning councils to have diverse representation. At least one-third (33%) of COHPA members must be people living with HIV who receive Ryan White Part A services and are "unaffiliated" – meaning they do not have conflicts of interest as staff, consultants or board members of Ryan White Part A funded agencies. This requirement ensures the planning council is reflective of the community it serves –people living with HIV and populations of focus in our community.

To apply:
Complete your application here: COHPA Application

Questions?
Contact Planning Council Support at Collaborative Research or call 888-571-0001.

 

Join COHPA

We invite you to become part of COHPA and join our mission to improve health care services for people living with HIV/AIDS. By joining COHPA, individuals directly contribute to improving local HIV care and services. Members help shape priorities, influence policy decisions, and advocate for resources that make a lasting difference in the community.

COHPA also emphasizes the power of partnership among community organizations. By working together, service providers, health care professionals, advocates and community members can share expertise, maximize resources and drive meaningful progress toward ending HIV in central Ohio.

COHPA members are required to attend monthly executive committee meetings and actively participate in full planning council meetings every other month.

Benefits of joining COHPA include:

  • For People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
    • Meaningful involvement in decision making.
    • Direct input into HIV service planning.
    • Opportunity to shape local HIV care strategies.
    • Contribution to 33% representation goal of planning council membership as non-conflicted consumers.
    • Network with health care and community professionals.
  • For Partner Organizations
    • Collaborative planning opportunities.
    • Coordinate services across different HIV/AIDS programs.
    • Develop comprehensive community HIV care plans.
    • Participate in needs assessment and resource allocation processes.
    • Enhance community-wide HIV care coordination.

To apply:
Complete your application here: COHPA Application.

Questions?
Contact Planning Council Support at Collaborative Research or call 888-571-0001.

 

 

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Care & Treatment Partner Resources

Columbus collective clinics are supported in part by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the largest federal program focused exclusively on providing comprehensive HIV care and treatment services to people living with HIV who are uninsured or underinsured. More than half of people living with diagnosed HIV in the U.S. receive services through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program each year.

Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS

The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program is the only federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Under the HOPWA Program, HUD makes grants to local communities, states and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS.

HOPWA Eligibility Requirements

HOPWA provides funding through a formula program and a competitive program that has different types of grant projects. Learn more by clicking here at this link for information on HOPWA.

National Technical Assistance

The goal of HOPWA Technical Assistance is to strengthen the management, operation and capacity of HOPWA grantees and project sponsors, and assist communities in identifying and addressing supportive housing needs for low-income individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS. Learn more by clicking this link here to find information on HOPWA.

Resources for Housing

Ryan White Part A Housing Financial Limits for 2026 through 2027 can be found by clicking here.(PDF, 255KB)

Contact

Sexual Health Clinic

Call (614) 645-1850

Spanish: Call (614) 645-5907

 

CARE Line

Call (614) 645-2273

 

Email Us

sexualhealth@columbus.gov

 

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