Ohio AIRS is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to ensuring quality information and referral (I&R) services throughout Ohio. Information and referral, commonly referred to as I&R, is a unique process of assessment and information-giving that enables people to make informed decisions about accessing community resources.

Information and referral services have been available in Ohio since 1963. Many I&R services were started in the early 1970s as a grassroots movement to connect citizens with the various human services available and to assist citizens in navigating the often confusing and complex choices. Today, most of Ohio’s 88 counties have some form of information & referral service.

Ohio AIRS (originally the Ohio Council of Information and Referral Providers or OCIRP) was formed in 1978 to:

  • Promote professionalism in the delivery of I&R services;
  • Enhance the collective influence of the field of information and referral in Ohio;
  • Provide support to members in such areas as technology, training, funding and policy development;
  • Provide professional development opportunities for members;
  • Enhance and support the goals of AIRS.

Ohio AIRS is the state affiliate of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), an international professional association of information and referral providers.  A voluntary Board of Trustees, elected by the membership, oversees the operation of the organization.

AIRS Standards

In 1983, AIRS, in conjunction with the United Way of America, adopted National Standards for Information and Referral. The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) has developed standards that serve as the foundation for I&R services.

The standards ensure that information and referral services are broadly available and effectively delivered. The standards define expected practices in the field and provide guidelines that help an I&R program meet the needs of the people in local communities.

Learn more about the AIRS Standards on the AIRS web site.