Ohio’s Largest AIDS Agencies Merging  Listen to the Story  The
state’s two largest agencies that help people with HIV and AIDS
are combining.  The Columbus AIDS Task Force says it’s not very
financially sound, but it has a sterling reputation for helping
people find the services they need. The Dayton-based AIDS
Resource Center Ohio, or ARC Ohio, is known for being
financially sound.  Administrators say that’s why they’re
merging.  The two groups will merge their offices beginning in
July and will operate under the ARC Ohio name to offer HIV and
AIDS services to 62 Ohio counties, including many rural areas in
southern Ohio that officials say are now underserved.  Much of
the money used for HIV and AIDS services comes from the federal
and state governments, although both agencies say a possible dip
in government funding did not force the merger. The governor’s
proposed budget cuts several other outreach agencies but largely
spares HIV and AIDS services.