Columbus & Central Ohio Prevention Education

Our staff are available to present information to the community and individuals on a variety of HIV related topics including:

· HIV 101 – a general overview of HIV, how it is transmitted and how to protect oneself from infection.

· HIV in the Workplace – information about HIV transmission and the privacy rights of the infected individual.

· HIV Risk Reduction – specific information about how to reduce one’s risk for HIV infection.

· Prevention of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

For more information about HIV prevention and/or to schedule a presentation, please contact Tania Peterson by phone at
(614) 299-2437 or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MSM Outreach

In Franklin County, unprotected male to male sex continues to be the most common mode of transmission for HIV infection. This program provides outreach and HIV/AIDS and STD education for Columbus’ large gay male community, as well as for non-gay-identified men who have sex with men(MSM).

Prevention education for this community is accomplished through:

* Educational presentations – Popular Opinion Leader(POL)
* Individual risk assessments and skill building
* Outreach and awareness activities
* HIV testing
* Condom distrbution

For more information contact: Shaun Whybark at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 614-340-6737.

African American Outreach

In Franklin County, African American men and women are becoming the most impacted group of new HIV infections. This program provides outreach and HIV/AIDS and STD education for Columbus’ African American community.

Prevention education for this community is accomplished through:

* Educational presentations - SISTA PROJECT
* Individual risk assessments and skill building
* Outreach and awareness activities
* HIV testing
* Condom and safer sex supplies distribution

For more information contact: Tanya Motley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 614-340-6733.

Ohio HIV/STD Hotline

The Ohio AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline provides a free, anonymous and confidential service available to individuals across Ohio. The Hotline is staffed by trained volunteers and ARC Ohio Prevention and Education staff and operates Monday thru Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Hotline services include:

* Answers to questions and concerns about HIV,STDS and Hepatitis
* information on topics including HIV/STD/Hepatitis transmission, prevention, testing and care
* Referrals to HIV/STD test sites, social service agencies, HIV treatment and care
* Printed Materials
* E-mail

Contact the hotline:

Telephone: 1-800-332-2437

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center (GCMC) is a CDC funded program of AIDS Resource Center Ohio. The Mission of GCMC is to be at the forefront of HIV prevention, education, and advocacy for the same-gender-loving Black and Latino male community. GCMC strives to be a visible voice and a vehicle for accountability with the goal of ending stigma and providing mental and social support for the community members. GCMC is located at 1780 E. Broad St. in Columbus, across from Franklin Park Conservatory. Click here for directions or call (614) 926-4132.
Vision Statement: “Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center (GCMC) is committed to eliminating new HIV infections amongst same-gender-loving Black and Latino males in the Columbus area by empowering them to make healthier choices.”
GCMC offers a myriad of services for young MSM’s of color ages 13-29 (and their allies). These services include:

HIV/Testing and counseling with Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC).

Research shows that early diagnosis and early treatment of HIV contribute to length of life and helps prevent further transmission of the virus. As a part of GCMC’s commitment to reduce new HIV infections among SGL Black and Latino males, ages 13-29, we offer the following services:

• Free 20-minute rapid HIV testing
• Risk-reduction counseling
• Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) - an HIV testing intervention geared specifically toward SGL men
• Refer clients to other supportive services
• Linkage to care for HIV-Positive Person
• Free Condoms and other safer sex supplies

GCMC has weekly testing hours that include evening times (coupled with STI testing provided by the Columbus Health Department) and special testing events that occur at local GLBT bars and clubs.

HIV/STD Testing Schedule:

Mondays: 1pm-5pm - Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, 1780 East Broad St.

Tuesdays: 9am-5pm - Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, 1780 East Broad St.

Wednesdays: 10am-7pm - Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, 1780 East Broad St.

Thursdays: 1pm-5pm - Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, 1780 East Broad St.

Fridays: By Appointment Only - Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, 1780 East Broad St.

For appointments or to receive more information about HIV testing and counseling contact Dwayne Steward @ 614-359-9826 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Mpowerment program which is a social and educational program geared toward empowering young Black & Latino males to make healthier life choices.

Major components of the program include:

• Project Space - safe drop-in center where community members can socialize and be themselves
• M-groups - discussion group for young same-gender-loving Black and Latino men with varying topics each week
• Outreach events - prevention education, parties, social gatherings, etc.
• B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Core Group/Youth Advisory Board - a Brotherhood of Realistic Individuals whom are Diverse and Genuine and are Empowered to becoming Self-actualized. These dedicated youth leaders that run the center’s marketing campaigns and programming.

For More information about the Mpowerment program and BRIDGES core group contact Bruce Brown @ 614-359-8844 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Healthy Choices & Choosing Life: Empowerment! Action! Results! (CLEAR)

CRCS is a CDC endorsed intensive risk-reduction counseling for HIV positive and high-risk individuals. CLEAR is the core counseling intervention used at GCMC that utilizes a one-on-one approach using cognitive behavioral techniques to change behavior. For our target population Healthy Choices and CLEAR offer the below services:

• Link HIV-infected individuals to treatment and resources
• Risk-reduction counseling for high-risk persons who are negative
• Risk counseling for those who are positive to prevent transmission

For More information about the Healthy Choices/CLEAR program, please contact Kyla Booher @ 614-359-2962 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Brothers Alliance Support Group

For more information regarding general GCMC Services you can contact @ 614-359-2033 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact the Program Director Ronald G. Murray by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

National STD Awareness Month...Get Yourself Tested!

April is National STD Awareness Month! Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, AIDS Resource Center Ohio (ARC Ohio), Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Peer Educators & Columbus Public Health's Sexual Health Clinic are coming together to offer a series of events to commemorate MTV's GYT (Get Yourself Tested) initiative and National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day! Join us for one or more of the events featuring film screenings, panel discussions, food and prizes!

Click the image to the right to download a flyer with the full lineup of events and testing opportunities.

Stay in the know...download the GCMC calendar!

GCMC is constantly adding new events, make sure to check this space regularly to see updated calendars posted!