Funding Delay Prompts Stoppage of Grant-Funded HIV Prevention, STI Screening Programs | Equitas Health

Blog 6/23/25

Funding Delay Prompts Stoppage of Grant-Funded HIV Prevention, STI Screening Programs

UPDATE: On July 3, the Ohio Department of Health informed Equitas Health and other subcontractors that funding is approved through May 31, 2026. All services affected by the funding delay have resumed. To get your free condoms & at-home HIV tests, visit  ohiv.org.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has informed Equitas Health and other subcontractors that the state agency has not yet received a new notice of award from the CDC for HIV Prevention and Ending the HIV Epidemic grant programs. These programs support OHIV, HIV testing programs, STI screening, and more. The grants expired on May 31. 

Because the CDC has not yet issued new awards, ODH cannot distribute funds to agencies across the state that are performing this important work. Without this funding, Equitas Health must immediately suspend all activities funded under the following grants until further notice: 

  • ODH Statewide Initiatives 
  • Toledo Lucas County Health Department  
  • Public Health Dayton Montgomery County STI Prevention  
  • Summit County Public Health STI Prevention 
  • Canton City Health Department 

Columbus Public Health has confirmed that the CDC grants they administer are funded for Equitas Health through June 30. Unless the CDC renews funding, those activities will need to also halt on July 1. 

The suspension of CDC-funded HIV and STI services statewide raises serious concerns for the communities we serve.  Equitas Health is actively working with our funders to seek clarification and determine next steps. We are committed to keeping our patients, clients, and communities informed throughout this process. We will share updates as soon as we receive more information.