Expanded Syringe Access Program

Every Wednesday 11-1pm
The Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) is an addition to GMHC’s harm reduction, substance use, and mental health programs. ESAP’s mission is to reduce risks for HIV/AIDS and to promote options for healthy decision-making by offering clean syringes at no cost.

Participants can come and receive 10 clean needles each time they access the program. You do no need to bring in dirty needles in order to receive clean needles. A person will be seen by an ESAP specialist who will assess them and begin to strategize how to reduce potential risks. Each time participants will meet with a specialist before they receive an ESAP kit. They will then meet with the nurse Practioner who will provide the ESAP kit containing ten alcohol swabs, ten band aids, one ounce water bottle and one ounce bleach bottle with instructions on how to safely clean and dispose of needles and ten new syringes. Included are instructions on how to dispose of needles safely, both in English and Spanish. Clients will also be given a Fit pack in which they dispose of their dirty needle. Throughout the building there are sharps containers where clients can dispose of the dirty needles. If you are not a client of GMHC, you will have to complete a short intake and assessment on your first visit.

For further information, please contact esap@gmhc.org or call 212.367.1384.