Syringe exchange, provides new, sterile syringes to injectors and removes potentially infected syringes from circulation. Syringe exchange was legalized in 1992 with strong support from the NYS government. St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction (SACHR) became legal in 1993 and was one of the first syringe exchange programs in New York City. This practice is now accepted as the international gold standard for disease prevention and endorsed by public health groups, such as the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association and the U.S. Surgeon General. 

We provide non-judgmental quality access to health resources to persons for whom the social stigma attached to their illicit drug use, HIV/HCV status, poverty, race, gender identity, homelessness, or health undermines their ability to access the services they require and deserve.

Our grassroots work began with a needle exchange program to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among intravenous drug users in the South Bronx. In 1990 SACHR gentrified a drug dealer’s park with HIV education, syringes, condoms, and weekly doses of empathy. Working out of the trunk of a Mitsubishi we moved supplies to St. Ann’s Church in an 8x8 room.

We have always held close the belief that those who Lead with Empathy, Practice Mercy, and Provide Safety can make an impact and we continue to follow this advice even now! Today, SACHR is the oldest continuously running syringe exchange in the United States. We are a multi-service agency providing a continuum of interventions that treats the whole person – at whatever stage they are. In addition to our street outreach, our center assists with basic needs, such as showers, food, and clothing. We offer a quiet sanctuary with stress-reduction services, including acupuncture, yoga and massage. We also provide educational workshops and mental health counseling. Referral relationships with other service organizations and colleagues give our participants choices – both in and outside of SACHR – as they make their journey toward a healthier and safer life.