Dear Valued Supporters, STOP AIDS received notification on Monday, February 28, 2011 that effective March 31, 2011 we will no longer be receiving Ryan White Part B funding, which supports case management services for clients living with HIV. The Ryan White funds are federal dollars allocated to each state. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) administers and allocates these funds. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), these funds will be granted to another agency which will provide case management services in the Greater Cincinnati region. The ODH indicates the decision regarding the new agency will be announced after March 11. We will share updates as we receive additional information. The ODH has stated that this decision is final and there is no appeal process. STOP AIDS is extremely disappointed by this decision, as the agency has been a good steward of the Federal Ryan White funds. We are a 25-year-old agency, which has used the funds to effectively counsel our diverse client base on all aspects of their lives including: - Returning to the workforce
- Becoming a healthy member of society
- Living productive lives
STOP AIDS will continue as a strong advocate for the health and wellness of our nearly 1,100 clients in Southwest Ohio. We will do everything possible to facilitate the transition of case management services. Our request to legislators and decision makers, on behalf of our clients and the health of Greater Cincinnati, is that the ODH slow down any rush to judgment regarding how/if these funds should be spent while we jointly determine a course of action. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Supporters of STOP AIDS and our clients can communicate directly with your state and federal legislative representatives and urge them to intervene to provide more time to ensure a smooth transition and continuity to the new case management services agency. (The current best case scenario outlined by the ODH would allow for roughly two weeks for 11 case workers to transition nearly 1,100 cases.) You should also implore them to improve the process so that future funding appropriations are managed with the necessary time and efficiency needed to meet the needs of the citizens and taxpayers. Visit http://www.stopaidscincinnati.org/ to see a sample which can be mailed or emailed and a list of contact information for state and federal legislators who represent all of the areas of Southwest Ohio covered by STOP AIDS. *Important Note: In order to help us manage the situation, please send a copy of each letter to legislators to David E. White 220 Findlay Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 dwhite@stopaidscincy.org TO MAKE A DONATION: This funding situation will not stop the commitment of STOP AIDS employees and volunteers. STOP AIDS will continue providing education, testing prevention and compassionate care to combat this deadly disease in Greater Cincinnati. Your support is appreciated now more than ever. To make a financial contribution, please visit http://stopaids.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.home | 
