Columbus OH
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Resources on Diversity & Health Equity


Additional Resources on Race & Racism

Africentric Personal Development Shop (APDS)

Provides alcohol and drug treatment, licensed counseling, domestic violence education and intervention programs, and support services for families impacted by addiction. They also offer a summer camp, UCANN Serve and UCANN Lead programs for ages 11-17 to experience mentorship and civic engagement, Urban GEMS science and gardening after-school program for ages 12-19, and awards two scholarships per year for youth ages 17-22 pursuing higher education. The organization was founded by and centers the African community but serves all regardless of race, gender, disability, or economic status.
1409 East Livingstone Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 253-4448
apdsinc.org

Asian American Community Services (AACS)

Nonprofit providing social services in Central Ohio. Their focus is on East, Southeast, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities but they assist individuals regardless of ethnic or racial background. Programs include 24/7 interpreting services, Healthy Asian Youth after school program, free medical clinic, Family Support Program for victims of crime, and Senior outreach. They also offer adult classes for art, ESL, and computer literacy.
4700 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023
aacsohio.org

Center for Healthy Families

Provides community and school based services for pregnant and parenting youth 12-24 years old. Services include help with healthcare, preventing subsequent pregnancy, housing, parenting skills, support groups, education, and employment assistance. They also house the Black Girls and Young Women’s Collective to advocate for equity and community.

Healthy Families Home-Visiting Program
Healthy Families Connection Services
500 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 884-4200
centerforhealthyfamilies.org

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Questions About Health & Community Resources: (614) 645-1244
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Find-Health-Care-Resources/Health-Resources-List

Diversity in Diabetes (DiD)

People of Color (POC) living with diabetes experience a higher chance of being diagnosed with diabetes and being admitted to a hospital than non-Hispanic White Americans. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to creating awareness and providing solutions that address the lack of diversity in diabetes care and management that lead to differences in healthcare and poor health outcomes in individuals and communities of color. Go online for a care provider directory, helpful information about managing diabetes, support groups, and more.
diversityindiabetes.org

Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO)

Nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing evidence-informed policies that improve health, achieve equity, and lead to sustainable healthcare spending in Ohio. They offer advocacy, trainings, and online resources on topics like health equity, access to healthcare, and much more.
140 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-4950
healthpolicyohio.org

I-DOC (Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers) Summer Program

A four-day residential summer program to help underrepresented students explore the career of optometry. Travel, room and board, and most meals are provided for successful applicants. Students experience living on a college campus, network with faculty and staff, participate in mock interviews, and shadow real optometrists.  Go online for application details and contact information.
338 West Tenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
u.osu.edu/idoc

IMPACT Safety

IMPACT Safety is a personal safety and violence prevention program through LifeCare Alliance. The program includes safety awareness, emotional skills, boundary setting, and physical self-defense skills. They offer specialized programs for kids, teens, adults, seniors people with disabilities, women of color, businesses, and personalized options. Trainings require a fee, but need-based scholarships are available. Community programs are offered for free several times per year throughout Columbus.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 437-2884
impactsafety.org

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA)

Non-profit organization helping high-achieving students from under-resourced backgrounds, especially first generation college students, gain admission to the nation’s most selective colleges. Each year 100 high school juniors are invited to a 7-week summer program at Princeton University, which includes leadership training, standardized test prep, career guidance, and more. Participants have access to support and advising through college and beyond. All services are free. Find application details online.
121 West 36th Street, New York, New York 10018
(646) 582-3608
ledascholars.org

Little Baby Face Foundation

Provides reconstructive surgery for children under the age of 21 born with facial deformities that reduce their quality of life, regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay. Surgeries are performed by highly skilled medical staff in New York City. Families fill out an application online, and if selected, a surgical coordinator works with families to coordinate travel and other arrangements. The organization covers all costs of accommodations, surgery, and travel.
135 East 74th Street, New York, New York 10021
(212) 333-5233
littlebabyface.org

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Central Ohio

Serves those who have been, or know someone that is, diagnosed with kidney disease. They provide educational materials and resources on the website about kidney disease, treatment options, transplantations, and up-to-date information for professionals. They also offer peer support groups, tools to find a provider near you, and tools for joining a research study. NFK Central Ohio also provides community education and shares knowledge of kidney disease with Columbus residents.
1491 Polaris Parkway Box 268, Columbus, Ohio, 43240
(614) 822-6184
kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-ohio

National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC): Talking About Race

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. Their website has free, educational resources and tools from scholars, activists, and historians with the goal of promoting social betterment through education. They have great resources for kids, adults, students, and educators.
nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race

National Partnership for Women & Families: Childbirth Connection

The Childbirth Connection website provides evidence-based information on every stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Topics include trying to get pregnant, prenatal and maternal health, labor options, and choosing where to give birth. Their website also has resources for healthcare professionals on addressing Black maternal health outcomes, being a person-first provider, and more.
1875 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20009
(202) 986-2600
childbirthconnection.org

Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO)

The only viable urban Indian center in Ohio,  devoted to preserving and restoring balance in the lives of Native Americans through cultural preservation and restoration, social development, and economic sustainability. They promote holistic wellness for community members through regular gatherings, the NAICCO Cuisine project, and ongoing efforts to build a Native American community center in Ohio.
P.O. Box 7705 Columbus, Ohio 43207
naicco.com

Nemours Teens Health

This website has a lot of information for teens that covers various health topics such as depression, relationships, staying safe, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, dealing with an alcoholic parent, marijuana use, body image and much more. There is also information for parents and educators.
kidshealth.org/en/teens

North Community Counseling Centers (NCCC)

Program: Provides medical/psychiatric care, case management; individual, group, and family counseling; housing for adults with psychiatric disabilities, and substance use disorder treatment for adults. They also have specialized programs for The Center for New Americans and Women’s Empowerment Program.
Eligibility: Serves adolescents, adults, individuals, and families, Ages 12+
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, CareSource), Private insurance on a case-by-case basis and Self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income).
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization. Go online to complete the referral form.

  • North: 6037 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231
    (614) 267-7003
  • Westgate: 3556 Sullivant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 827-1307
  • Bridge: 4897 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 846-2588
  • Center for New Americans: 1299 McNaughten Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
    (614) 582-2368

Central Intake: (614) 261-3196
northcommunity.com

Ohio Commission on Minority Health

Works to eliminate disparities in minority health through financial opportunities, public health promotion, legislative action, public policy and systems change in Ohio. Priority populations include African/African American, AAPI, Latinx/Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Their website has information and resources on defining health equity and structural racism, health disparities, and grant opportunities.
77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-4000
mih.ohio.gov

OSU Free Clinics

Patients are seen at the Rardin Family Practice Center. Services are provided for those who have no health insurance and have a low to moderate income. Call for more details.

  • Columbus Free Clinic: Free healthcare for anyone, provided by medical students
    (614) 404-8417
    columbusfreeclinic.com
  • Latino Free Clinic (La Clínica Latina): Free healthcare for Spanish-speaking patients
    (614) 349-1038
    clinicalatina.com
  • Asian Health Initiative: Free healthcare for Asian-American and Asian immigrant patients, and those at high-risk for Hepatitis B
    (614) 216-9730
    ahifreeclinic.wixsite.com/site
  • Noor Free Clinic: Free healthcare provided by Muslim nurses and physicians
    (614) 516-3075
    noorcommunityclinic.weebly.com

2231 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
medicine.osu.edu/departments/family-medicine/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

POEM (Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement for Moms)

Provides free peer support groups remotely and in-person around Columbus, education on pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD) and related mood/anxiety disorders, referrals to appropriate mental health resources and providers. The POEM Rise program provides services exclusively by and for Black mothers. The website also has helpful links to other Mental Health America services, such as pro bono counseling. Use the Event Calendar to find the next support group.
(614) 315-8989
mhafc.org/get-help/maternal-mental-health

Sesame Street in the Communities

Provides information and videos to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

Sesame for Families: sesameworkshop.org/resources
sesamestreet.org/home

South Side Thrive

A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org

The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity

Interdisciplinary research institute at The Ohio State University committed to educating the public, building the capacity of allied social justice organizations, and investing in efforts that support equity and inclusion. Go online to learn about their research, opportunities for community engagement, and free speaker series events.
33 West Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 247-1633
kirwaninstitute.osu.edu

The Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation for K.I.D.S.

Non-profit empowering marginalized and at-risk youth to pursue educational and artistic opportunities. They offer college tour programs and scholarships. Their website has helpful information for students and families about scholarships, HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), college planning, and skilled trades programs.
PO Box 360832, Columbus, Ohio 43236
(614) 706-6909
gaddis4kids.org

Trevor Project for LGBTQ Youth

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ young people. They operate a 24/7 nationwide, confidential helpline for teens and youth. Their website offers great resources and information.
24-hour Hotline (866) 488-7386 or text ‘START’ to 678678
thetrevorproject.org

Universal Health Care Action Network of Ohio (UHCAN Ohio)

Advocates for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Ohioans. The website provides information on health insurance enrollment, health equity, and affordable prescriptions in Ohio. Their team of certified care navigators can help you find affordable health insurance and other resources for free. They have staff who speak Spanish, Arabic, and Somali. Call to schedule an appointment.
215 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 505-9460
uhcanohio.org/aca-enrollment

Urban Minority Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) of Franklin County

Offers substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery support programs for communities of color in Central Ohio using culturally specific, evidence-based strategies. They offer anger management, domestic violence prevention and parenting classes for adults. Youth programming includes in-school, after-school, and summer camp. They also offer training opportunities for professionals and events for the community. Call or email the organization to register for a program.
700 Bryden Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 227-9694 or (614) 403-3136
umadaopfc.com

Youth for STEM Equity (YSE)

Provides free programs for youth, including STEM Escape Room events, museum visits, and educational lectures. They are student-led non-profit based in Columbus, Ohio promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the field of STEM. They also post helpful STEM-related content and scholarship opportunities on their Instagram. Go online to learn more and find their next event.
yforse.org



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