The True Impact of OnPoint NYC’s Holistic Services
Juan Cortez, Holistic Services Manager, shares the methodology behind our holistic services, his personal motivation for the work, and why it’s so important to our community.
ABOUT US
OnPoint NYC vigorously advocates for social justice and strives to address adverse outcomes among people who use drugs or engage in sex work by providing the resources, tools, and support they need to enhance the quality of their lives and live with dignity. We combat stigma and embrace people who use drugs and engage in sex work instead of pushing them to the margin.
Services
As the largest harm reduction service provider on the east coast, we offer lifesaving safer drug use and overdose training to those who need it most. We also distribute and clean up more syringes and other safer use supplies than any other provider.
Case Management
Our caring medical professionals provide chronic condition management, HIV/Hep C testing, wound care, counseling, and buprenorphine for substance use recovery, addressing health needs caused by housing insecurity and disconnection from primary care.
Clinical Care
Our caring medical professionals provide chronic condition management, HIV/Hep C testing, wound care, counseling, and buprenorphine for substance use recovery, addressing health needs caused by housing insecurity and disconnection from primary care.
Drop-in Centers
Our Drop-In Centers are safe, no-barrier spaces with free services like hot meals, hygiene facilities, syringe services, digital connectivity, and peer support, aimed at fostering community, health, and dignity.
Drug Testing
In partnership with NYC DOH, we offer on-site drug checking using FTIR spectroscopy and test strips for substances including fentanyl, morphine, cocaine, benzodiazepine, xylazine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. This service, enhanced by lab verification, allows for pre-use testing or post-adverse reaction analysis.
Garden
Our garden in East Harlem is a space for staff and participants to relax, reconnect with nature, and celebrate community. It hosts ceremonies, offers holistic services, marks milestones, supports recovery post-overdose, and facilitates shared meals.
Holistic Services
Our holistic services honor the pioneering work of the Lincoln Detox movement and Act Up, blending acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, cupping, sound baths, reiki, and meditation.
Mental Health
We provide free individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, screenings, and medication prescriptions, through social workers and psychiatric nurse practitioners, supported by peer-led counseling groups.
OUTREACH AND PUBLIC SAFETY TEAMS
Our outreach and public safety teams serve East Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx, providing food, clothing, safer use supplies, and educational materials. We clean up hazardous waste, educate on harm reduction, and operate a public safety hotline for syringe cleanup and public use diversion.
Overdose Prevention Centers
Our Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) offer safe, supportive spaces staffed by trained professionals to respond immediately to health crises. The purpose of our OPCs is to address the overdose epidemic, connect participants to vital services, and save lives.
Professional Development
Our Professional Development Program is geared towards participants and staff looking to further their professional skills. We provide training, computer classes, resume-building, and reentry opportunities, equipping participants and staff with economic mobility and stability tools.
HEALTH PROMOTION AND RECREATIONAL GROUPS
We host a variety of daily groups, blending health promotion like MAT support, drug and Hepatitis C education, with recreational activities including open mic, comedy, art therapy, gardening, and beekeeping.
5,804
OPC Participants Served since Launch In November 30, 2021
171,712
OPC utilizations
2,500,000
units of hazardous waste collected
1,696
Overdose Interventions
Harm Reduction & Resource Guides
As part of our vital harm reduction work, OnPoint NYC’s team has created a variety of downloadable resources on safer drug use, for distribution in our community and beyond. These accessible guides meet our neighbors where they are, helping people who use drugs make healthier choices and adopt methods that mitigate medical complications and overdose risks. Browse our resources and guides to learn more.
Recent News
OnPoint NYC’s Holistic Services: Healing, Education, and Power
Learn how OnPoint NYC’s holistic services are not only medicine for the mind, body, and spirit, but fosters outreach, activism, and personal change.
New York Daily News: Spending Right-Overdose Epidemic Requires Range of Smart Investments
New York Daily News's editorial team advocates for a wider array of investments in harm reduction services - policymakers must invest in what works.
DEMO PAGE
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Typi non habent claritatem insitam; est usus legentis in iis qui facit eorum claritatem. Investigationes demonstraverunt lectores legere me lius quod ii legunt saepius. Claritas est etiam processus dynamicus, qui sequitur mutationem consuetudium lectorum. Mirum est notare quam littera gothica, quam nunc putamus parum claram.
EVENTS
Explore our community events, programs, and services at our East Harlem and Washington Heights Drop-in Centers.
4 events found.
East Harlem Drop-in Center: General Services
East Harlem Drop-In Center 104 -106 E 126th Street, New York, NY, United StatesOur East Harlem Drop-In Center is a no-barrier, walk-in space that provides a variety of amenities, including hot meals, coffee, showers, bathrooms, and laundry.
Washington Heights Drop-in Center: General Services
Washington Heights Drop-In Center 500 W. 180th St, New York, NY, United StatesOur Washington Heights Drop-In Center is a no-barrier, walk-in space that provides a variety of amenities, including hot meals, coffee, showers, bathrooms, and laundry.
East Harlem Drop-in Center: General Services
East Harlem Drop-In Center 104 -106 E 126th Street, New York, NY, United StatesOur East Harlem Drop-In Center is a no-barrier, walk-in space that provides a variety of amenities, including hot meals, coffee, showers, bathrooms, and laundry.
Washington Heights Drop-in Center: General Services
Washington Heights Drop-In Center 500 W. 180th St, New York, NY, United StatesOur Washington Heights Drop-In Center is a no-barrier, walk-in space that provides a variety of amenities, including hot meals, coffee, showers, bathrooms, and laundry.
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