HIV and the Bronx: What We’ve Learned
Nando Pinto is our Ryan White Program Manager and has been working with the HIV population in the Bronx for years.In 1990, when New York City was gripped by the AIDS crisis, Joyce Rivera started an underground Syringe Access Program (SAP) on the streets of the Bronx....
The Challenge
Within homes and among the homeless, more and more people are turning to drugs, alcohol and other unhealthy behaviors to relieve fear and anxiety. Addiction and dangerous lifestyle choices lead to a vicious cycle of personal and social injury. Traditional treatment programs view addiction as a disease. They demand abstinence and, as a result, reach only a fraction of addicted users – a mere 20%. The result: many who seek treatment are met with stigma and leave with shame.
A Positive Community Force
Our efforts combine HIV testing, HEP-C testing, needle exchange, mental health counseling, and other harm reduction and healthcare services within a true continuum of care. These services offer a unique combination of programs and solutions to improve health, well-being, and re-integration into the community. We also provide free benefits screening for participants who would like to see if they qualify for support resources
A Haven for Healing
We invest in our community’s well being by offering a sanctuary to anyone who needs a healthy place – for a minute or for months. Our harm reduction philosophy is rooted in the practical and proven approach of meeting people on their own turf, on their own terms.
Our services seek to restore each participant’s basic human dignity and are offered free and anonymously to everyone. We measure our progress by the steady steps our participants take to regain their lives, health and self-respect. In our practice, healing is a process, not a destination.
Hours of Operation
Monday: 9 am – 8 pm
Tuesday: 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Thursday: 12 pm – 6:30 pm
Friday: 9 am – 8 pm
We are closed on the weekend and during select holidays, please click here for details.
Outreach Services
139th St. and St. Ann’s Ave: Tues: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at 139th Fri: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm at 139th
Overdose Prevention
We provide free Narcan kits and training to individuals and organizations. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is a drug that reverses the effects of opioids and can stop an overdose in its tracks. Register today to receive a Narcan kit as well as detailed instructions in its use. Remember that prescription opioid users as well as injection opioid users are at risk for overdosing. If opioids are in your house, Narcan should be too.