Public Statement 9/21/24

A New Chapter:

Equitas Health’s Commitment to Healthcare for All

For 40 years, community leaders have come together, overcoming incredible odds, to safeguard the health and wellness of LGBTQ+ individuals and those affected by HIV/AIDS. From grassroots beginnings, these efforts grew into multiple regional organizations that, in 2014, united as Equitas Health.

Our path has not always been smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the ongoing epidemics of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and MPOX, challenged both our patients and our workforce. Over the past decade, we’ve seen rapid growth, but with that growth came gaps in policy and oversight that we are actively addressing. Additionally, external pressures, such as aggressive actions by pharmaceutical companies against a key prescription drug discount program, have put strain on our revenue.

But through all of these challenges, we have never lost sight of our mission. The Board of Trustees has been working diligently to set Equitas Health on a more sustainable path, ensuring that our organization is equipped to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We have brought on new Trustees who better represent Ohio’s communities, established stronger financial controls, and developed new operational workflows to improve patient access to timely care.

It is my honor to serve as Chair of Equitas Health, a volunteer position I was elected to in June. I am also proud to have led the search for our new CEO, David Ernesto Munar, whose proven leadership in LGBTQ+ nonprofits has already brought stability and progress to our organization. In his first six months, David has overseen several key accomplishments:

• Increasing patient access in our medical, dental, and mental health programs, serving more individuals than in past years.
• Expanding harm-reduction services to underserved areas like Columbus’s King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood.
• Launching a new mobile health van to bring care to those who need it most.
• Streamlining administrative processes, ensuring resources are focused on patient care.
• Achieving financial stability in 4 of the last 6 months, setting the stage for continued recovery and future investment.
• Leading advocacy at the Ohio Capitol to push back against harmful, transphobic policies that threaten the well-being of trans and gender-expansive youth.

We know there have been bumps in the road, but I am confident that Equitas Health’s best days are ahead. We have made deep commitments to broaden our HIV care and prevention efforts, particularly in communities of color, and we are doubling down on our promise to deliver affirming, culturally competent sexual healthcare for all. Our focus remains on integrating our medical, pharmacy, and dental programs to better serve historically neglected communities, always with an understanding of the unique and intersectional needs of the diverse LGBTQ+ population.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will continue to build a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in our community.

Susan McManus
Chair, Board of Trustees