Broadway Community and Activity Center is proud to be a recipient of funding through the Integrating Substance Use Harm Reduction Into Outreach to People Experiencing Homelessness (IHARP) initiative, a program supported by the Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
This grant strengthens The Broad Center’s capacity to deliver critical harm reduction services and person-centered outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness who use drugs. The IHARP initiative was launched in response to the escalating overdose crisis in NYC, which has disproportionately impacted unhoused populations. Through this funding, The Broad Center is participating in a city-wide, 24-month capacity-building collaborative aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing overdose-related harm.
New York City is in the midst of a public health emergency. In 2022, more than 3,000 overdose deaths were recorded—marking the highest annual total in NYC’s history. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, was involved in over 80% of those fatalities. Individuals experiencing homelessness are disproportionately impacted, facing heightened barriers to care and increased exposure to substance use harms. These stark numbers reflect a devastating reality: the opioid epidemic continues to take lives at an alarming rate, and immediate, community-driven solutions are essential.
Disseminating and training individuals on the use of naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips.
Providing education regarding overdose risk reduction, safety planning, and syringe disposal.
Connecting participants to services such as drug-checking programs, Syringe Service Programs (SSPs), Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs), substance use treatment, mental health care, and primary medical care.
Participating in continuous professional development, training, and technical assistance provided by DOHMH.
As part of our IHARP initiative, The Broad Center proudly offers free harm reduction training sessions—available both in-person and online—to all New Yorkers. Whether you are part of a school or university, an emergency services agency, a community-based organization, or simply an individual who wants to be part of the solution, our trained IHARP outreach staff can come to you.
These trainings cover:
By joining our harm reduction training course, you are taking critical steps toward protecting your community. Request Training Today and join us in building a safer, more compassionate New York.
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