Substance Use
About This Service
GMHC meets you where you are. We provide nonjudgmental substance use services as part of our comprehensive strategy to support people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our services are designed to help guide you through safer and better managed use of substances and/or supporting abstinence from drugs or alcohol. We can also help you understand your relationship to alcohol and substances, and how to reduce personal harm.
Thank you to Elevance Health for their generous support of our harm reduction services.
What We Offer
GMHC staff are trained mental health and substance use professionals. We offer have a range of substance use programs including:
Opioid Overdose Prevention Program
We are committed to combatting the opioid epidemic in New York and lead a registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Program under the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Our staff are certified to provide training to GMHC staff, clients, and community members on recognizing signs of opioid overdose and in the use of Narcan (Naloxone) to reverse overdose. These training programs are open to anyone interested in learning how to recognize and reverse opioid overdoses. Participants receive a free Overdose Prevention Kit containing two doses of intranasal Naloxone. Our staff also train individuals in the community, both on site at GMHC and off-site at various locations throughout the city. Training is also available via ZOOM
Psychiatry
We can refer clients to medical providers who can explore how medications can be used to support you in achieving your goals alcohol and substance use goals.
SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Harm Reduction Services
The purpose of this program, open to all active substance users who are 18 years and older, is to increase engagement in care for racial and ethnic medically underserved individuals with substance use disorders who are at risk for or living with HIV. A range of services are provided including:
- Substance Use Individual and Group Counseling
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Narcan Education and Kits
- Fentanyl Education and Kits
- Linkage to Services
Syringe Access Program
We can provide access to unused, clean syringes via a voucher system. Individuals in need of syringes, for a variety of reasons (e.g. intravenous drug use, hormone therapy, diabetes, etc.) are provided with a voucher they can use to redeem 10 unused, clean syringes at our on-site pharmacy, Avita. For more information about syringe vouchers, please contact Juanita Chestnut, Outreach Worker, at juanitac@gmhc.org.
Contact
Email mhs@gmhc.org or Ph. 212-367-1109.
Substance Use
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Although most of our services are designed to serve the needs of people who have tested positive for HIV, we also provide many services to those who are HIV-negative.
No. Those who have tested antibody positive for HIV will be asked to complete a GMHC agency intake to be screened for the array of services that we provide at GMHC. People who are HIV-negative will not be eligible for agency membership, but may still be eligible for some of our substance use services. A harm reduction counselor will conduct a screening to determine eligibility for enrollment.
You can complete the secure and confidential form on this page or call 212-367-1057. Due to COVID-19, staff are providing remote intake services by phone for people who wish to become a GMHC client and access services. Staff will assess your needs and make referrals to programs and services provided by GMHC and/or our partners throughout New York City.
Yes, our services have different eligibility requirements. An intake specialist can help you understand requirements for our different services.
Currently all of our programs are grant-funded and no insurance is required for enrollment and participation.
