The mission of the Prevention and Education Department is to increase awareness and understanding of HIV transmission and prevention and to reduce public fear and the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS

It has been the mission of the Department of Prevention and Education to provide the most up-to-date and factually correct information to the people of Central Ohio for years.  To this end, several educational programs have been developed to reach our goal.

Presently, in the state of Ohio, there are between 10,200 and 18,000 people living with HIV/AIDS according to the Ohio Department of Health.  Seventy percent (70%) of these cases reside in the eight largest urban counties (Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark, and Summit).

The Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF) is Ohio's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS specific service provider.  CATF is also the only agency in Columbus with both direct services for those living with HIV (provided by licensed professionals) and the expertise of a knowledgeable Prevention and Education Department.

Because of the diversity in HIV Prevention needs in the area, the Prevention and Education Department has fashioned community-specific HIV Outreach programs tailored to fit the needs of the members of those communities.

Please click on any of the programs listed to the right to see what all the Department of Prevention and Education has to offer!