The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), through its Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP), plays a pivotal role in the federal initiative "Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S." (EHE), aiming to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. This initiative focuses on four key strategies: diagnosing individuals with HIV as early as possible, treating people with HIV rapidly and effectively to achieve sustained viral suppression, preventing new HIV transmissions using proven interventions, and responding quickly to potential HIV outbreaks to provide necessary prevention and treatment services.
In Ohio, the Department of Health (ODH) has been actively involved in this initiative, particularly targeting the three counties identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with high HIV burden: Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton. ODH collaborates with local public health departments, community service agencies, and HIV healthcare providers to plan and implement localized activities supporting the EHE plan.
Funding for these efforts has been channeled through various grants. For instance, the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) saw the release of the "Ryan White: Ending the HIV Epidemic" (EH25) grant, covering the period from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This grant aimed to enhance services in the identified counties, focusing on strategies to reduce new HIV infections and improve care for people with HIV.
Eligible applicants for these grants typically include public and nonprofit entities, such as local health departments, community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and tribal organizations. The application process generally requires submission of a detailed proposal outlining planned activities, budget justifications, and strategies for achieving the EHE goals. Specific application requirements and deadlines are provided in the respective Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs).
Evaluation criteria for these grants often encompass the applicant's capacity to implement proposed activities, the feasibility and innovativeness of the strategies, alignment with EHE goals, and the potential impact on reducing HIV infections within the targeted communities. Applicants are also assessed on their ability to collaborate effectively with local stakeholders and leverage existing resources to maximize the grant's impact.
