Staying Safe and Informed: The Importance of Regular HIV Testing
On National HIV Testing Day, we interviewed Synn Stern, our Health Clinic Nurse, to discuss the importance of regular HIV testing and how our services support the community.
Overdose Prevention Centers
Other Services
At the foundation of our services are our Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs). OPCs are a tangible example that bold, brave, and loving action can quickly and effectively save lives in the face of a crisis. The purpose of our OPCs is to address the overdose epidemic, connect participants to vital services, and save lives.
OPCs are safe spaces where people can be monitored by trained professionals to identify and respond to the earliest signs of overdose. OPCs prevent fatal overdoses, especially for high-risk populations, like street homeless individuals, and they foster stigma-free spaces for engaging a population traditionally underserved by formal healthcare services. As such, they are a necessary part of a comprehensive solution to the overdose crisis and overall health and well-being.
The OPCs are well-lit rooms with tables or booths around the room and enclosed, ventilated spaces. As beforementioned, the primary purposes of the overdose prevention room are to save lives and connect individuals to care. Most interesting are the conversations and community that are fostered in the room. It’s a space in which participants feel loved and seen.
SMOKING ROOMS
Our OPCs operate communal, vented rooms to address the increasing prevalence of adulterants – including fentanyl and its analogues – in drugs other than opioids. In recent years, fentanyl has increasingly been found in batches of crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other substances commonly smoked. Participants who are not dependent on opioids – or don’t use them regularly or at all – who encounter a contaminated batch of drugs, are at elevated risk of overdose and death.
BOOTHS AND TABLES
Our OPCs provide booths and tables designed for safety and privacy. Each booth is equipped with stainless steel surfaces and individual seating, ensuring a hygienic environment. The booths are separated by partitions to offer personal space for participants. All supplies used in the room stay in the room, effectively diverting hazardous litter from our communities. The setup supports safety and helps prevent vein damage and other health issues, ensuring a supportive and controlled environment.
PRIMARILY, OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS:
prevent overdose death and other health risks
facilitate connection to care (including detox, treatment, medical care, housing, etc.)
reduce public use and syringe litter in public spaces
NEWS AND BLOGS
Honoring our History: The LGBTQ+ and Black Roots of the Harm Reduction Movement
OnPoint NYC owes its existence to LGBTQ+ and Black pioneers and activists. As we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth this June, we’d like to acknowledge and honor our history.
Hepatitis C is Curable – and OnPoint NYC is Making an Impact
It’s Hepatitis Awareness Month - and at OnPoint NYC, we provide education, testing, and treatment all year round. We talked to staff members Synn and Shade about the importance of this work, and the
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LOCATIONS
East Harlem
104 -106 E 126th Street
New York, NY 10035
Washington Heights
500 W 180th Street
New York, NY 10033
Drop-in Centers Hours
Washington Heights DIC
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 11 PM
Weekends: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
East Harlem DIC
Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 11 PM
Weekends: 10:30 AM – 6 PM