AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Columbus AIDS Task Force Merge
Strategic merger provides advocacy and care services Statewide.

Columbus, OH- We are delighted to officially announce that AIDS Resource Center Ohio and Columbus AIDS Task Force have merged, effective July 1, 2011. The decision follows
a thorough, year-long assessment supported by The Columbus Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, and the Toledo Community Foundation.

As you know, these are difficult times for the nonprofit sector. This is no less true for AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) which, across the U.S. and Ohio, are struggling to retain services and keep their doors open. But as you also know, challenging times can present new opportunities-opportunities to focus on excellence, long-term stability, and strategic vision. We are confident that our merger will create an organization able to achieve a mission greater than either agency could do alone. It will promote equitable care, bring together complementary administrative and program expertise, enhance our service capacities, make the most effective use of precious resources, and strengthen our long-term viability.

In the words of Sam Rinehart and Bobby Thaxton, board chairs of ARC Ohio and CATF, respectively, "the merger is a proactive, strategic and sound business decision made by both governing bodies, in whose hands the wellbeing of our services have been entrusted."

Bill Hardy, director of ARC Ohio for more than 18 years, will serve as CEO of the merged organization, which will retain the name AIDS Resource Center Ohio. CATF's current CEO, Peggy Anderson, LISW, will oversee all programmatic operations, providing HIV care, testing, prevention and advocacy throughout more than 60 Ohio counties.

This decision creates Ohio's largest ASO, enabling us to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ohio through awareness, advocacy and care. With offices in Columbus, Dayton, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo, Athens, Chillicothe, and Newark, we will provide linkage to care and supportive services to more than 2,500 Ohioans living with HIV/AIDS. Thousands more will be reached with evidence-based prevention and HIV testing.

This is an exciting decision that will benefit thousands of Ohioans living with, or at risk of, HIV infection. We are deeply grateful for your important part in the history and mission of our organization, and thank you, in advance, for your continuing support.

The Merger Makes the News:

Gay People's Chroncicle: Two of Ohio's top AIDS agencies to merge

NBCi.com: Ohio HIV/AIDS Organizaitons Merge To Survive In Down Economy

WisconsinHIV.com:  Ohio Looks to ARCW model in historic merger

Dayton Busienss Journal: Ohio AIDS groups to merge

Dayton Daily News:  Dayton, Columbus AIDs group merge