January 3, 2014

Katherine E. Shumate, MPH

Ryan White Title II Program Director

Ohio Department of Health

HIV CARE Services

246 North High Street, 6th Floor

PO Box 118

Columbus, Ohio 43266-0118

Dear Ms. Shumate:

I am writing in support of the case management services, provided to people living in Central and Southeast Ohio, by the AIDS Resource Center Ohio. The case management program is a referral source to people living in our community. I fully support AIDS Resource Center Ohio grant application for the Federal HIV Care funded case managers and Emergent Communities funded case managers.

An ARC Ohio case manager provides services as requested and needed. This immediate access to a Ryan White social worker has improved the delivery of needed continuity of care between providers. The case management program has been an asset to patients with resources, support, and financial assistance.

We look forward to strengthening the collaborative effort between our health department and the AIDS Resource Center Ohio to assist our community members who are living with HIV/AIDS.

Sincerely,

Susan A. Tilgner, MS, RD, LD, RS

Health Commissioner