News
Due to weather conditions in New York City, Alliance offices and community center sites are working with limited staff tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13rd.
Staff are working remotely so if you need service, please reach out to your case manager via phone. If possible, try to stay inside and limit your exposure to the cold. Alliance community centers will reopen on Wednesday, February 14th.
“When I worked in some of New York City’s largest clubs in the early 2000s, I saw the importance of keeping Narcan on hand. At venues where we didn’t have it, people who overdosed were often sneaked out back doors and left by dumpsters until a private ambulance service arrived,” says Outreach Coordinator Ashley Lynch in a letter to the editor published today in The New York Times.
“At more proactive places that stocked Narcan and wanted employees to be trained on how to use it, overdoses were reversed inside even before paramedics arrived. It was the responsible thing to do”.
Alliance Peer Nicky Bravo shared her perspective on how Peer health outreach has helped her support vulnerable New Yorkers, and manage her own health needs, in a powerful op-ed in AM New York. As an Alliance Peer, Nicky has helped hundreds of New Yorkers navigate systemic inequities to improve their health outcomes. Thank you Nicky!
I learned about Alliance for Positive Change from a friend in 2007. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to attend a group meeting to see if Alliance could help me with the substance use issues I was experiencing at that time.
I am so glad I decided to take a chance with Alliance! I found a community where I felt supported and believed in. I also found my ultimate calling in life: helping others facing similar challenges.
In the first phase of my Alliance journey, I worked in the Basic Needs Department. I got my food handler’s license and served meals to Alliance’s participants. After gaining that work experience, I moved on to another job for a few years, but always felt I was on a hamster wheel. After speaking with a friend who was an Alliance Peer, I enrolled in Alliance’s Peer training program.
I made the right choice coming back to Alliance. I felt so at home at Alliance’s LES Harm Reduction Center. I honed my Peer superpowers of active listening and resourcefulness. I help whoever comes through these doors—no matter what challenges they face—with whatever they need, whether that's a support group or medication-assisted treatment to stop or reduce their drug use.
Alliance has helped me maintain my well-being. If you don’t have your health, you can't help yourself or others.
I am one of thousands of people whose lives changed thanks to Alliance's caring community. That’s why I’m asking you to generously support us this holiday season. You have the superpower to change lives by donating today at www.alliance.nyc/power.
Thank you for being our valued partner in positive change!
Celeste C.
Alliance Peer Superhero
P.S. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible. Visit www.alliance.nyc/power to learn more!
Alliance is grateful to Shantae Owens for his more than a decade of outstanding work as a harm reduction Peer outreach worker. In that time, he has saved dozens of lives by acting fast to reverse overdoses, and has helped other people access essential harm reduction services to prevent overdoses in the first place. As he moves on to an exciting new position with our friends at VOCAL-NY, here’s what his colleagues had to say about Shantae:
“Floyd—my mentor,—and Shantae are the best colleagues, great friends, and my famila. Over the past 2 years I've learned so many unique things about harm reduction and prevention thanks to these two wonder men. Both are harm working compassionate people who have went up and above to assist clients and do-workers alike. Providing tool to essentially help individuals grow and make better Choices. Thank you two guys for your service, love and, support” —George
Shantae is a person you would want to learn or teach you about anything about saving a life is heart of gold proves that and he one of most pleasant person to be around and for Floyd theres nothing but nice things and encouraging word you can get from him if you want to stay on the right track you should call on him”—Bernice
"Shantae really cares about helping people. He doesn't mind opening up and making himself vulnerable, which helps other people do the same. He's got a good sense of humor and a great heart" —Dan
“Floyd and Shante were like family and still are to me Floyd was my mentor and my teacher I felt comfortable enough to come to him for anything his vast knowledge I will miss and the stories he used to tell Shantae always made me laugh and we met during training on 35th and 8th Ave and he suggested I come to LESHRC and history was made I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to send them my good wishes they will always have a place in my heart I miss them”—Celeste
We’ll miss seeing you every day, Shantae, but are excited for your next chapter!
Q) Can you tell us a little about yourself, and what you do?
A) I grew up in a small Canadian town on a farm in the province of Prince Edward Island, northeast of Maine. I had grandiose dreams of moving to a big city and becoming a renowned psychiatrist, and for better or worse I am still fundamentally that guy.
I have practiced psychiatry and addiction medicine for over 30 years in New York City. I am actually in recovery myself, from prescription pill dependency, on psychostimulants and benzodiazepines.
I’ve worked in a variety of settings, inpatient, outpatient, and in psychiatric emergency rooms, on mobile crisis and assertive community treatment teams, in a state hospital and on Riker’s Island.
Q) How and when did you start working with Alliance?
A) Definitely a higher power sort of moment. I live and take daily walks in the Lower East Side, and one day in 2015 I was walking by the old harm reduction clinic at 25 Allen Street, and on a whim popped in and asked the staff if they needed a prescriber. Deborah Yuelles was one of the people who greeted me and she said “yes, we do.”
Since then, I’ve worked about two days a week at the clinic. A large part of my practice consists of prescribing buprenorphine (also known by its most popular brand name, Suboxone). Buprenorphine is medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. I work closely with Jose Sanchez, who is the buprenorphine coordinator. He balances out my neurotic tendencies, and has a calm, suave aura. He’s a wonderful guy.
Q) You said you are in recovery, yourself. When did that start, and why?
A) For many years, since my late 20s, I had received psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety. Along the way, I became dependent on some of the medications used to treat me, in my case psychostimulants and benzodiazepines.
I got into recovery 12 years ago, at a time when I had crashed hard from a psychostimulant-induced manic episode, got fired from a clinical position, and was unable to work for a year and a half. My late wife My-Lan, a social worker, encouraged me to go to the weekly NYC Caduceus healthcare recovery meetings, which I hated immensely at first, telling myself (and them) “I’m not like the rest of you folks.” The fellowship I have found in meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have also been extremely helpful.
Q) Can you share some success stories of people you’ve prescribed for?
A) Measuring “success” in my field can mean any number of things. It can be someone staying on Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), not using heroin or opioids and feeling empowered to move forward in life. One such patient called me five minutes ago and currently works in the recovery field. He’s been through many medical and personal misadventures but has stayed stable and I’m proud of him.
We treat folks from all walks of life, from teachers, artists and graduate students, to people coming out of prison, and re-integrating into society. One of our patients just came off lifetime parole, which is very gratifying to witness. He put a lot of hard work into that, over the years.
Q) You currently prescribe Suboxone. Is that better or worse than other medically-assisted treatments?
A) I think it depends of the individual, and it’s important to hear what the individual is needing. For instance, some people have better success on methadone than Suboxone (buprenorphine). Buprenorphine is less intrusive, typically requiring visits the clinic only once or twice a month. However, some people seem to need the stability and structure of methadone clinics, with their near-daily pick-ups of the medication. Prescribing Suboxone is the same as anything else in harm reduction: meeting someone where they’re at.
Q) What do you see as common risk behaviors for relapses?
A) As they say, “people, places and things,” ie, going back to unhealthy associates or haunts. Or getting the “eff-its,” ie, giving up hope that things can be better. I’d also say coming into big money, is one I’ve seen. Also, unaddressed mental health issues.
Q) You’ve been working in the field for over 30 years. Has harm reduction changed in that time?
A) There’s more openness to decriminalization and resources for people with substance dependency. Some people still get mad about syringes or “vagrancy” and some of the problems that our participants can be involved in, but people understand more that substance dependency is something that needs help. Less punitive, which is nice.
Q) Where else do you currently practice addiction medicine?
A) I also work for Samaritan Daytop Village’s assertive community treatment (ACT) team based out of the Myrtle Ave Men’s Shelter. It’s mostly working with chronically mentally ill folks with schizophrenia or bipolar diagnoses, but many of them have addiction issues as well.
Q) Is there something you’d say that makes you relate better to patients, aside from your history of substance dependency?
A) I try not to be dogmatic about treatment. The idea of harm reduction is to meet people where they are at, using medications that are helpful. For many people that’s enough. Others may find getting spiritual help, in the path of their own choosing, such as you find in 12-step rooms, enhances their recovery. As they say in the rooms of recovery, "Take what you need, leave the rest behind.”
Q) If you could do anything else in your personal or professional life, what would it be and why?
A) I take screenwriting classes. I’m really interested in the stories of my great-great grandfather and my great-grandfather, who were sea captains out of Cape Cod and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They both had wild, mostly self-inflicted, misadventures in their lives. These stories I didn’t find out about until I was hitting some bad times in my own life, and I think in some way they mystically reached out to me at that time. I hope to do them justice someday, by bringing their stories to life.
“Alliance for Positive Change has been a life-changing partner in my personal journey and given me the tools to help hundreds of New Yorkers access essential health services and embrace positive change. Please join me in supporting this amazing organization.
”In my past, I experienced homelessness and substance use. I worked through those challenges and wanted to find a way to support other people facing barriers to well-being.
”In 2012, I was in search of employment opportunities, so I enrolled in Alliance’s Peer training program. I gained insight into my own behaviors while learning how to use my experiences to educate and uplift others. I lead groups on HIV prevention, harm reduction, and other health topics. I love giving people the tools to work toward their goals so they can become the best version of themselves.
”After a decade of doing this work, I can confidently say that my Peer superpower is my openness. I've learned to let others set the agenda and to meet them where they are. It’s so rewarding to hear clients testify about the advances they’ve made in their lives and to see they have more self-confidence.
”Along with critical professional skills, Alliance helped me create structure in my life and provided me with the economic opportunity to live comfortably.
”Alliance makes it possible for so many New Yorkers to thrive! That’s why I’m asking you to support Alliance with a generous gift. You have the superpower to change lives by donating today at www.alliance.nyc/power.
”Thank you for being our valued partner in positive change!”
—Mark G., Alliance Peer Superhero
“When I joined Alliance for Positive Change in 2016, I was at a crossroads. I had recently returned home from prison and wanted to control my substance use. I was eager to start over. Was I going to continue down the path I’d been on, or move in a more positive direction? I didn’t know if I would succeed or fail, but I had to try.
”I am proud and grateful for where I am today. I learned so much by becoming an Alliance Peer—it has been a crucial part of my healing journey.
”As a Peer, I am a role model. I don’t always like going to the doctor, but I can’t encourage other people to visit the doctor if I’m not doing it myself! I’m transparent and honest. I always ask, “How can I show up for myself and others today?”
”I work with participants in Alliance’s women’s programs. It takes a lot of dedication. You have to have a passion for it. I make sure our participants get to their appointments and manage their health. My superpower is being honest and a good listener. That makes the biggest difference—showing up, building trust, and reminding people that change will come.
”Being a Peer is part of my own recovery. I show up for work, manage my responsibilities, and have a routine. I have a great network of people who are there when I need them, which makes all the difference for my mental health.
”Alliance makes it possible for so many New Yorkers to thrive! That’s why I am asking you to support Alliance with a generous gift today. You have the superpower to change lives by donating today at www.alliance.nyc/power.
Thank you for standing with us!”
—Nicky B., Alliance Peer Superhero
“When I first came to Alliance for Positive Change, my goal was to get back to work. I enrolled in Alliance’s Peer training and secured employment. And I gained so much more along the way!
”In 2015, I was processing my HIV diagnosis and trying to find my way in the world. I’d spent about three years in and out of hospitals, I was finally ready to be part of the real world again. I started working with an Alliance case manager who connected me with quality medical care and other basic needs. With that strong foundation in place, I enrolled in Alliance’s Peer program—and that’s when things really turned around for me.
”I committed, and proudly stuck with the 8-week training, even when it was hard. I learned how to educate others about safer sex, harm reduction, and navigating health systems. I was honored to be selected to speak about my experience at the Peer graduation ceremony.
”When I was hired as an Alliance Peer, it was exciting to take the knowledge I’d gained and share it with others. Today, I primarily work with the LGBTQ+ community, leading educational groups and supporting participants with HIV medication adherence, which saves lives.
”Being a Peer helped me make positive changes in my own life by giving me HOPE and PURPOSE. I go to the doctor regularly and I stay on top of my health. Alliance brought me back to who I was and helped me feel in control of my own life. I use the tools I’ve gained by being a Peer to create a positive change for me and for each person I encounter.
”My Peer superpower is my ability to listen and connect with my community. My clients often tell me that hearing my story inspires them. I’ve been in their shoes—and today, I’m thriving. I’m proof that they can, too.
”Alliance makes it possible for so many New Yorkers to thrive! That’s why I am asking you to support Alliance with a generous gift today. You have the superpower to change lives by making your gift to Alliance at www.alliance.nyc/power.
”Thank you for being our valued partner in positive change!”
—Anthony R., Alliance Peer Superhero
Find photos from the moving ceremony here (Photo credit: David Nager/Alliance) -
(New York, N.Y.) — On Wednesday, November 29, Alliance for Positive Change celebrated the 61st graduating class of its Peer training program at a ceremony featuring graduates, families, and friends at its Midtown Central location.
For three decades, Alliance’s renowned Peer training program has provided New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions with leadership and economic mobility opportunities. NewYork-Presbyterian was the lead sponsor of the graduation. Other generous sponsors included Mutual of America and community partners Aurora Private Wealth, Corporate Synergies, and PPI Benefits Solutions.
Alliance’s Peer program is an intensive 8-week capacity-building and skills training program that harnesses the power of mentoring to help others initiate and maintain healthy behaviors. Participants learn about HIV, hepatitis C, STIs, harm reduction, outreach skills, overdose prevention, and more. Graduates become community leaders who use their lived experience and training to help fellow New Yorkers facing health challenges. Since the first class, Alliance has graduated more than 1,500 Peers.
“Alliance’s Peer training has equipped me with the awesome tools to handle various emotions, situations, and challenges. It has prepared me to be a well-informed advocate for prevention and treatment,” said Cindy S., an Alliance Cycle 61 Peer graduate. “Alliance has reinforced my belief that whatever I aspire to achieve in this organization—and in life—is within my reach.”
Cindy S. Photo: David Nager/Alliance
“We are proud to celebrate our graduates, who worked tirelessly to build their skills and expertise, and who will harness their own lived experiences to support others,” said Brenda Starks-Ross, Alliance Deputy Executive Director/COO. “Peers are truly the heart and soul of Alliance who expand and deepen our impact every day. Their work is a testament to the power of positive change for individuals and entire communities.”
During their training, Peers developed skills to coach and support New Yorkers to overcome health challenges, navigate systemic inequities, and achieve health and well-being. The Peer program connects low-income people to care and support; reduces the burden on under-resourced healthcare institutions; and creates more economic mobility for people who need it most. Each year, these community ambassadors connect with an estimated 15,000 New Yorkers.
About Alliance for Positive Change
Alliance for Positive Change is a leading multiservice organization that provides low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions with access to quality health care, housing, harm reduction, coaching, and our renowned peer training and job placement program that cultivates leadership and economic mobility. Alliance opened in 1991, at the height of the HIV crisis as a welcoming community of transformation and opportunity. Today, we deliver on the promise of positive change with services and resources that equip people to navigate systemic inequities and achieve health and well-being. Learn about all the ways we inspire positive change at www.alliance.nyc.
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