Syringe Services Program

Serving Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties!

HVCS’ Syringe Services Program (SSP) uses harm reduction methods to work with people who inject drugs to reduce their risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases. We are non-judgmental and provide a safe, discreet way to meet and offer our services.  The SSP program is FREE and always anonymous. We use a mobile unit (a truck) on a regular schedule to blend into specific neighborhoods but remain accessible.

Hours and Locations:

Harm Reduction

We stress the importance of harm reduction–that is, meeting people where they are at, no matter what stage–to work with them to address and prevent health complications associated with injecting drugs. We also work to remove used syringes from the streets, and we encourage all clients to connect with a healthcare provider and other vital services. SSP staff provides referrals to clients on an as-needed basis.

In addition to providing clients with access to new syringes, SSP staff provides clients with HIV and hepatitis C testing.

We Supply:

• Sterile syringes (wide variety of sizes)
• Bleach kits (sterile water, bottle caps, cotton filters)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Bandages/Gauze pads
• Sharps containers (many sizes)
• Fit packs
• Condoms (external and internal)
• Lubricant
• Dental dams

We Provide:

• Information on how to prevent the transmission of infections
• Information on improving health
• HIV Testing
• Hepatitis C Testing
• Narcan training (overdose prevention training)
• Syringe delivery (by appointment ONLY)
• Harm reduction education
• Vouchers to purchase syringes from pharmacies

We also offer people who use drugs, their sexual partners, and family members referrals to the following programs:

• Health care
• Social Services
• Mental Health services
• Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (Diseases)
• Health Hub Suboxone program
• Overdose prevention

Special Arrangement Contacts

• Orange/Sullivan/Rockland Areas: Christina Southwell – 845-522-5756
• Ulster/Dutchess Areas: Rebecca Dean – 914-785-8275
• Westchester/Putnam Areas: Edgar Peralta – 845-704-7887

Information on the penal law 220.45

Participants of the SSP program can lawfully posses syringes furnished by syringe exchange programs or collected by the participant in exchange and disposal in all parts of NYS. Syringes may also contain residue possession of which is also protected under the penal law 220.45.

Get more information here.

Information on Narcan and opioid overdose prevention

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a medication called an “opioid antagonist” used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, for example morphine and heroin overdose. Specifically, naloxone is used in opioid overdoses to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system, allowing an overdose victim to breathe normally. Naloxone is a nonscheduled (i.e., non-addictive), prescription medication. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system; the medication has no effect if opioids are absent. Naloxone may be injected in the muscle, vein or under the skin or sprayed into the nose.

Get more information here.

NYS 911 Good Samaritan Law

New York’s new 911 Good Samaritan Law went into effect on September 18, 2011. This policy seeks to encourage people to call 911 when witnessing or experiencing an alcohol or other drug related overdose by providing a limited shield from charge and prosecution  for possession of narcotics, marijuana, and, for minors, alcohol. They policy also provides limited immunity from arrest when witness(es) who call 911 or the overdose victim poses residual or very small amounts of drugs.

Get more information here.