Harm Reduction

Harlem United has decades of experience providing life-saving services aimed at reducing infectious disease transmission and overdose in high-risk communities. In 2004, we became one of the first organizations to offer rapid HIV testing, and in 2007 we began offering syringe exchange. Through robust, peer-supported community outreach, we provide testing services and substance use services to priority populations including people who use drugs, youth, people experiencing homelessness, and people with multiple chronic conditions.

We offer HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STI testing; patient navigation; syringe exchange; overdose prevention training and Naloxone dispensing; Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) navigation; risk reduction and substance use counseling; recovery readiness services; relapse prevention; and more.

In 2021

30K

used syringes
collected

8818

risk-reduction
counseling sessions

212K

clean syringes
distributed

105

units of Naloxone
distributed

Testing and Navigation

Testing and Navigation provides free and confidential testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. All eligible clients receive patient navigation services which include education about and access to PrEP and PEP.

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health programs include harm drug counseling and mental health counseling.

Syringe Access

Syringe Access provides safer-use supplies, meeting clients where they are in the community.

Outreach

Outreach links community members to care, providing safer-use supplies, wound care kits, food pantry, and other basic supplies. Outreach also performs syringe litter pick-up in parks and other public spaces in Harlem and the South Bronx.

What is Harm Reduction

Harm Reduction is an approach to care which encourages any positive change in our clients’ choices, with a special focus to decisions that lead to better health and wellbeing. These could be as simple as someone living with diabetes choosing more balanced meal options, or someone engaging in drug use choosing to use clean syringes.

Services

  • Testing for HIV, Hepatitis C, and STIs
  • Patient Navigation
  • Linkage to PrEP and PEP
  • Risk reduction and Substance Use Counseling
  • Support Groups
  • Syringe Exchange
  • Overdose Prevention Training
  • Buprenorphine Navigation
  • Peer Outreach

Syringe Exchange Locations

Coney Island

West 23rd & Highland View Avenue
Thursdays: 11:00am – 3:00pm

The Bronx

East Tremont Avenue & 3rd Avenue
Mondays: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Fridays: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Harlem

125th St and Malcolm X Boulevard
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9:00am – 3:00pm