NY1: City Organization Provides Harm Reduction, Mental Health Services
OnPoint NYC's executive director, Sam Rivera, spoke with Rocco Vertuccio on NY1's “Weekends on 1” Sunday morning program.
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) provide safe environments for pre-obtained substance consumption while under the care of trained professionals, combating the overdose crisis with immediate intervention.
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.
5,551
OPC Participants Served since Launch In November 30, 2021
159,960
OPC utilizations
2,500,000
units of hazardous waste collected
1,626
Overdose Interventions
These numbers are preliminary.
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.
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EVENTS
Explore our community events, programs, and services at our East Harlem and Washington Heights Drop-in Centers.
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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.
Washington Heights: Mental Health Services
Washington Heights Drop-In Center 500 W. 180th St, New York, NY, United StatesNeed to talk to someone? Our counselor is here for you. Confidential and private counseling Referrals for psychiatric care and medications Psychosocial assessments for 2010e forms Ask at the SEP or DIC desk to see the counselor
East Harlem: Ear Acupuncture for Stress
East Harlem Drop-In Center 104 -106 E 126th Street, New York, NY, United StatesUsing the NADA protocol, 5 needles are placed on the outer ear to help reduce stress and anxiety and detoxify the lung, liver, and kidney.
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