First Healthcare Center Targeted to Injection Drug Users Opens in New York

Positive Health Project, a New York syringe exchange program, and Diversified Health Systems Management Inc. recently announced the opening of Positive Health Care, the nation's first comprehensive health care center targeting high-risk clients, including current and former injection drug users. Although New York City encompasses only 3 percent of the U.S. population, the city claims 16 percent of all U.S. AIDS cases. Of the 4,000-6,000 new HIV/AIDS cases reported in New York City in 2000, 39 percent of those infections are attributable to injection drug use.

Targeted to injection drug users, PHC is founded on the principles of harm reduction. It provides patients with primary medical care, dentistry, and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services. The center's patient base includes clients from syringe exchange programs throughout the city.

"It is our hope that by offering [patients] access to high quality and nondiscriminatory healthcare, they will begin to realize their self-worth and make lifestyle changes that can reduce their health risks," said Dr. Richard Gold, medical director of the center. Many injection drug users and other high-risk populations are homeless and therefore have limited access to medical services. Moreover, this population often avoids medical services for fear of legal repercussions and discrimination associated with drug addiction.

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