November 9, 2007

Ohio Reconsiders HIV Funding for Youth

After an outcry from advocates of HIV/AIDS education in schools, the Ohio Department of Education has decided to apply for federal funds intended to tackle infections among teens (cleveland.com, 11/9).

State officials said two weeks ago that they would not be applying for the $1.25 million in federal grants over the next five years because they didn’t think Ohio qualified for it. Ohio and Utah were the only two states in the country turning down the money.

Since the announcement, the Department of Education received about 2,000 letters and e-mails, mostly from people urging the state to apply for the grants.

“I just have to applaud [the Department of Education] for stepping up to the plate and exercising leadership on this issue,” said Earl Pike, executive director of the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. “We're thrilled with the outcome.”

An education department spokesperson says that state officials will propose to use the funds to create an HIV prevention program.