Alliance Rallies Outside Governor's NYC Office for Services for People Who Use Drugs

On Wednesday, August 28, as part of our lead up to International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), Alliance joined our partner agencies at a rally outside Governor Hochul’s NYC office demanding life-saving services for people who use drugs. The Governor has frequently mentioned a family member’s death caused by an overdose to gain sympathy and district from the fact that she continues to deny funding mechanisms for Overdose Prevention Centers, continues to prohibit funds for safer smoking apparel, and continues to deny housing and supportive services to people actively using drugs.

Throughout the week, Alliance has provided trainings that save lives, and honor the dignity of people with past substance dependency, and people actively using drugs. All photos: David Nager/Alliance

Alliance Gives Back Health Fair

In Washington Heights and across the city, Alliance is at the heart of our community, connecting residents with essential health resources— from HIV testing and prevention to comprehensive care services and basic needs. We’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the support they need. Our annual health fair “Alliance Gives Back” drew hundreds of participants, and featured Dominican Women's Development Center, Harlem Hospital, FDNY, Colgate, Elite Home Care, Viiv, VNS Healthcare, Mt Sinai HIV study, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

All photos: Kaitlyn Fudge/Alliance

Presenting at National Ryan White Conference 2024

After participating remotely the past few years, it was great to be back in-person at the National Ryan White Conference. Our team—Deputy Executive Director/COO Brenda Starks-Ross, Chief Photography Officer David Nager, PREP Lead Trainer Joyce Myricks, and Senior Peer Liaison Stephen Williams—gave a presentation on the far-reaching socio-economic benefits of our unique Peer Recovery Education Program (PREP) Thursday afternoon. They also attended other conference programs, including a speech by Ryan White’s mother, who was eloquent and informative.

Our presentation was also pre-recorded, and registered virtual attendees still have the opportunity to watch on the conference virtual platform.

Recovery Coach Training—July 2024

Alliance holds frequent Recovery Coach Trainings which consist of 50 hours of intense education. Graduates emerge from the program with knowledge, and new ways of thinking about recovery, the roles and limitations of medication-assisted recovery, and ethical considerations for recovery. Always a popular offering, the July 2024 cycle graduated 25 people. All photos: David Nager/Alliance

Alliance CASA Washington Heights Hosts Dominos Tournament

CASA Washington Heights hosted a Dominoes tournament on Friday, July 5th to give our participants a sense of community and engagement.

Dominoes is a popular and very loved game, in the Hispanic population. When in the heights, you will often see residents playing in groups in the streets. We plan to hold a tournament, once a month in the hopes of more clients participating, bringing a friend “potential clients” and having a safe space for clients to come enjoy a fun game within their peers in their community. 

The winners received a $25 target card. Additionally, refreshments, snacks, and music contributions were made by each staff member.