Organization Spotlight: Equitas Health
(As told to us by Michele Gregory, Chief Advancement Officer)
Q. Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve?
A. Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio) is a not-for-profit community-based healthcare system founded in 1984. We recently expanded our mission and services to include a specialization in LGBTQ health & wellness as well as other medically underserved Ohioans, while continuing to provide the HIV care and prevention services we have always provided to our community. Equitas comes from Latin origins, meaning justice, fairness, and equity. These values have always been core to our mission; our new name now puts them front-and-center. We are proud of our more than 30 years of dedication to our mission leading the fight against HIV/AIDS. Our expanded mission is to be the gateway to good health for those at risk of or affected by HIV/AIDS, for the LGBTQ community, and for those seeking a welcoming healthcare home. We are excited to embrace this expanded mission as a step not only to further our legacy, but also to provide care for all. We serve more than 45,000 individuals in Ohio each year through our diverse healthcare and social service delivery system focused around: primary and specialized medical care, behavioral health, HIV/STI prevention, advocacy, and community health initiatives.
Q. What has your involvement with AFP been?
A. AFP has been a steadfast resource and support for me during my 20+ development career. I joined the Central New York chapter in 1995 then became an international AFP member in 2001 and a Central Ohio chapter member in 2011. I had the pleasure of serving as an AFB Board member, in the role of Resource Directory Chair, from 2013-2015.
Q. Does your organization have any special events coming up? Tell us about them!
A. Art For Life, September 24, 2016: Art for Life is currently the largest charity art auction in central Ohio. It is longest running, biennial fundraising gala benefitting Equitas Health. This year, we joined forces with the Pizzuti Collection and Columbus Museum of Art to showcase local and national artists, all with ties to Ohio. For more information, visit www.artforlife.arcohio.org.
RED Dayton, October 15, 2016: RED Dayton Table Design Gala is a biennial event produced by and to benefit Equitas Health. RED Dayton will highlight the talents, creativity, and imagination of the area’s top artists and designers. This year’s theme for the table decorations is “Idols and Icons”. For more information, visit www.reddayton.com.
Reason to Dine, December 1, 2016: A Reason To Dine is an event held in Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo on Worlds AIDS day to promote HIV/AIDS awareness by encouraging people to dine at local restaurants for a great cause. Information on participating restaurants is coming soon. Visit www.facebook.com/AReasonToDine for updates.
Posted September 2016