AIDS Resource Center Ohio has announced a name change for the organization and a shift in their mission focus. At a news conference on Monday, the organization announced their new name, Equitas Health—equitas is a Latin word meaning justice, fairness, and equity.
President and CEO, Bill Hardy says the HIV/AIDS treatment services the organization has provided since 1984 will continue but their expansion as an overall health care provider is one that similar organizations around the country are experiencing.
“Based on a number of changes, including an emerging population, which is the LGBTQ population, we have decided that we will focus our prevention and care and health and wellness services to meet the needs of the LGBT Community and others needing a welcoming healthcare environment as well," he said.
ARC Ohio added pharmacy services in just the last couple of years and now Equitas Health will also provide behavioral health, dentistry, medical care and health and wellness education as part of their services.
The current operating budget for the non-profit organization is $44 million dollars. They serve close to 45,000 Ohioans annually, including more than 5000 who are HIV positive and some 2000 clients at their clinics in Dayton and Columbus.
