Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. In order to achieve optimal health, barriers to healthy living and well-being need to be addressed. This requires removing obstacles to health, such as poverty, discrimination, and other inequities, and their consequences, including powerlessness and lack of access to good jobs with fair pay, quality education and housing, safe environments, and health care.
Fatal overdoses involved the use of synthetic opioids [1]
Per 100k people are affected with HIV in the Northeast [2]
Overdose death rate for Black people within areas of income inequality [3]
Our experts teach clients, community members, providers, and law enforcement to recognize overdoses and administer Narcan. But that's not all – we're delivering hope and action by distributing free Narcan kits to those we equip, turning bystanders into lifesavers.
Free TrainingWe're your dedicated partner, providing essential services in harm reduction, counseling, and education for safer practices. Beyond education, we create pathways to higher services, advocate for substance users and HIV-positive individuals, and champion HIV/AIDS awareness. Additionally, we offer referrals for treatment, legal needs, and family planning, ensuring holistic well-being.
Urban League of Westchester
4 Wilson Place
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
914-699-5857
Discover essential insights and practical strategies to prioritize harm reduction for community safety and well-being.
Our intake process is designed to ensure your safety and provide you with the appropriate resources and support. To initiate the process, you must be present in person to assess your specific needs and provide you with tailored guidance. If applicable, you will receive necessary supplies and a unique ID card, which can be essential if you have syringes with residue to help prevent any legal issues. Walk-ins are welcome!
Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that reduce feelings of pain. Common prescription opioids include:
These web pages will help you learn more about prescription opioids:
Prescription opioids can be used to treat pain, but there is very limited evidence that they are effective for long-term use. If you’re prescribed an opioid, the best approach is to try the lowest possible dose in the smallest quantity. Opioids should only be used for as long as necessary. Generally, for acute pain (pain lasting less than one month), opioids are rarely needed for more than 7 days and often for 3 days or less. Before taking opioid medication for pain:
Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. You may also develop tolerance—meaning that over time you might need higher doses to relieve your pain, putting you at higher risk for a potentially fatal overdose. You can also develop physical dependence—meaning you have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped. To help reduce your risk:
Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult. If you aren’t sure, it is best to treat the situation like an overdose—you could save a life. Call 911 or seek medical care for the individual. Do not leave the person alone. Signs of an overdose may include:
Your well-being is our priority, and we're here to assist you in accessing the right resources. We can provide information and make referrals for testing and consultations to help you make informed decisions about your sexual health.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) are two distinct HIV prevention methods. PrEP is recommend for high risk individuals and involves taking medication regularly to prevent HIV infection before exposure, while PEP is a treatment taken after potential exposure to HIV. If you have questions about PrEP and PEP or are considering these options, we can provide information and make referrals for testing and consultations.
Get in touch with one of our educators.
914-699-5857
[1] Hedegaard, Holly, et al. Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999-2020 Key Findings Data from the National Vital Statistics System. Dec. 2021.
[2] CDC. “Basic Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 21 June 2022, www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html.
[3] CDC. “Overdose Deaths Rise, Disparities Widen.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 July 2022, www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/overdose-death-disparities/index.html.