Tina Burner Comes To Poughkeepsie For Electro Brunch on March 12!

March 8th, 2023

Tina Burner, who rose to international fame after appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13, comes to the Hudson Valley in support of our programs and services! Electro Brunch is coming up on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at noon at The Academy HVNY. Our annual drag brunch raises funds for programs like HIV/AIDS prevention, harm reduction and emergency food pantries. We’ve partnered with Out Loud Hudson Valley to completely revamp our event, with a new venue and a much larger audience!

Tickets are $35 and table of up to 10 are available. Please note: Tickets are for admission to the fabulous show… The Academy’s brunch buffet with mimosas is an additional $40, and other beverages will be sold separately.

Hurry! Tickets are going very fast. Get yours at: https://tinyurl.com/HVCSdragbrunch
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#dragbrunch#charitybrunch#fundraiser#poughkeepsie

Drag Brunch Goes Electro!

February 17th, 2023

Where can you enjoy an appearance by an internationally famous drag queen, a spectacular brunch, a full bar, and help your neighbors in need? At the HVCS Electro Brunch, that’s where!

We’ve partnered with Out Loud Hudson Valley to amp up our annual drag brunch to the next level. Join Tina Burner from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 at the Academy in Poughkeepsie on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Noon. Tickets are $35.00 and proceeds benefit HVCS’ programs, such as our HIV/AIDS education services and our emergency food closets.

The Academy, Poughkeepsie’s hottest dining destination, will offer their new brunch menu, signature cocktails, and full bar (meals and beverages must be purchased separately). You’ll also have the chance to enter to win fabulous prizes in our raffles and games.

Purchase your tickets today at Eventbrite. For more information, visit www.hudsonvalleycs.org/drag or call (845) 787-1789.

New York State Department of Health Launches New Harm Reduction Campaign to Help Reduce Overdoses

February 10th, 2023

“Safer Choices” Campaign Designed to Promote Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Overdose Deaths in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 9, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of a new harm reduction campaign, “Safer Choices,” to help prevent overdose deaths across New York. The multi-media campaign, starting with a focus on social media platforms and web-based resources, is meant to equip individuals with an understanding of how to reduce overdose, as deadly fentanyl continues to be found in a wide variety of drugs. The campaign also continues to emphasize the importance of naloxone as a life-saving tool in the event of an overdose.   

“To help reduce the number of overdose deaths across the state, we need to make sure people who use drugs, and their family members and friends, know how to reduce the risk of overdose and how to respond should an overdose occur,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This new campaign will not only save lives, but it will also serve to help reduce the bias and discrimination associated with a substance use disorder diagnosis.”

The campaign shares helpful information and steps for family members, friends, and persons who use drugs. Tips for family members and friends strongly recommending carrying naloxone in case they witness an overdose, as well as information about Opioid Overdose Training programs across the state and about the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), which can  cover co-payments for naloxone of up to $40.

These important messages focus on other life-saving steps that can be taken, which include testing drugs for fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than heroin, has been found in powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly/MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, other pills, and powder sold as heroin. In addition, the campaign advises individuals to never use opioids and other drugs alone, and to know that, in case of an overdose, calling 911 will not result in a possession charge. Persons who use drugs are also encouraged to carry naloxone and know how to administer this life-saving drug.

More information about the new harm reduction campaign can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/saferchoices.

This latest campaign builds on the Department’s ongoing work to support a variety of harm reduction initiatives. Other programs include the Local Health Department Initiative, providing funding to 24 county health departments with the highest overdose rates outside of New York City to bolster primary care, corrections, harm reduction, emergency departments, public safety, and more; over 900 registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs, which provide training to non-medical individuals to recognize opioid overdoses and provide naloxone at no cost to the participant. The Department also operates New York MATTERS, an electronic referral system for connecting individuals with opioid use disorder to local treatment and harm reduction services.

Additionally, the State has authorized 25 Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) with over 81 sites statewide. SEPs remain at the forefront of innovation in addressing the needs of New Yorkers who use drugs and lead in the distribution of naloxone to New Yorkers vulnerable to overdose. The State’s 14 Drug User Health Hubs have been built upon the long-standing foundation of SEPs. These Hubs focus on reducing overdose by providing access to buprenorphine, building safety plans with people who have experienced a non-fatal overdose and equipping participants with naloxone.

Governor Hochul’s administration also recently announced more than $8.6 million for innovative programs to treat opioid addiction through grants awarded through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

People with question or requests for additional information should visit https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/

Information on where to find nearby Syringe Exchange Program site locations can be found here.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

                                           -###-

Contact: New York State Department of Health   

518-474-2043 x. 2   

press@health.ny.gov   

facebook.com/NYSDOH

twitter.com/HealthNYGov

pinterest.com/nysdoh

health.ny.gov  

New York State Department of Health Launches New Harm Reduction Campaign to Help Reduce Overdoses

“Safer Choices” Campaign Designed to Promote Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Overdose Deaths in New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 9, 2023) – The New York State Department of Health today announced the launch of a new harm reduction campaign, “Safer Choices,” to help prevent overdose deaths across New York. The multi-media campaign, starting with a focus on social media platforms and web-based resources, is meant to equip individuals with an understanding of how to reduce overdose, as deadly fentanyl continues to be found in a wide variety of drugs. The campaign also continues to emphasize the importance of naloxone as a life-saving tool in the event of an overdose.   

“To help reduce the number of overdose deaths across the state, we need to make sure people who use drugs, and their family members and friends, know how to reduce the risk of overdose and how to respond should an overdose occur,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This new campaign will not only save lives, but it will also serve to help reduce the bias and discrimination associated with a substance use disorder diagnosis.”

The campaign shares helpful information and steps for family members, friends, and persons who use drugs. Tips for family members and friends strongly recommending carrying naloxone in case they witness an overdose, as well as information about Opioid Overdose Training programs across the state and about the Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP), which can  cover co-payments for naloxone of up to $40.

These important messages focus on other life-saving steps that can be taken, which include testing drugs for fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times stronger than heroin, has been found in powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly/MDMA, counterfeit Xanax, other pills, and powder sold as heroin. In addition, the campaign advises individuals to never use opioids and other drugs alone, and to know that, in case of an overdose, calling 911 will not result in a possession charge. Persons who use drugs are also encouraged to carry naloxone and know how to administer this life-saving drug.

More information about the new harm reduction campaign can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/saferchoices.

This latest campaign builds on the Department’s ongoing work to support a variety of harm reduction initiatives. Other programs include the Local Health Department Initiative, providing funding to 24 county health departments with the highest overdose rates outside of New York City to bolster primary care, corrections, harm reduction, emergency departments, public safety, and more; over 900 registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs, which provide training to non-medical individuals to recognize opioid overdoses and provide naloxone at no cost to the participant. The Department also operates New York MATTERS, an electronic referral system for connecting individuals with opioid use disorder to local treatment and harm reduction services.

Additionally, the State has authorized 25 Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) with over 81 sites statewide. SEPs remain at the forefront of innovation in addressing the needs of New Yorkers who use drugs and lead in the distribution of naloxone to New Yorkers vulnerable to overdose. The State’s 14 Drug User Health Hubs have been built upon the long-standing foundation of SEPs. These Hubs focus on reducing overdose by providing access to buprenorphine, building safety plans with people who have experienced a non-fatal overdose and equipping participants with naloxone.

Governor Hochul’s administration also recently announced more than $8.6 million for innovative programs to treat opioid addiction through grants awarded through New York State’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

People with question or requests for additional information should visit https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/opioid/

Information on where to find nearby Syringe Exchange Program site locations can be found here.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

                                           -###-

Contact: New York State Department of Health   

518-474-2043 x. 2   

press@health.ny.gov   

facebook.com/NYSDOH

twitter.com/HealthNYGov

pinterest.com/nysdoh

health.ny.gov  

Dutchess Co. SEP Temporarily Operating Via Special Arrangements

February 8th, 2023

Our Dutchess County Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is operating via special arrangements while our mobile health van undergoes some much-needed repairs. Prevention Specialists will be at our usual spot with their cars, and we are distributing harm reduction supplies as we always do. Things may look a little different for a few weeks, and you may not see our usual white van. If you’re in need and don’t see us on Mondays and Thursdays, call (914) 606-0316 or (845) 743-3133.

How Much Do You Know About Mpox?

January 17th, 2023

HVCS’ Mpox Wellness Coaching program helps Hudson Valley residents connect to essential resources and information about Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). Our wellness coaches provide educational sessions, link concerned clients to county departments of health for diagnosis, and ensure high-risk or potentially exposed clients get vaccinated. We’re here to allay your fears and provide you with the knowledge you need to stay as healthy as possible. Watch this video for an overview of Mpox and our program.

If you need help, call our Mpox Wellness Coaches at (845) 926-3628 or email mpv@hudsonvalleycs.org.

Out Loud Hudson Valley’s “Let The Sun Shine” a Fundraiser for HVCS – DATE CHANGE

January 9th, 2023

Join your chosen family for an unforgettable evening at Revel 32, as Out Loud Hudson Valley produces its first fundraiser of 2023. 

UPDATE: Let The Sun Shine has been moved to Saturday, April 15, 2023. Tickets are still available at the link below.

The fun starts at 8pm with a cash bar cocktail reception and live music with DJ Jimmy Prada. At 9:30, Shequida will host the Mr./Miss Hudson Valley Drag Competition, and a winner will be crowned based on audience votes! Immediately following the show, the dance party continues. 

Advanced tickets through Eventbrite are $30. Admission at the door will be $40. 

Pageant voting tickets can only be purchased at the door with cash, with all proceeds going directly to Hudson Valley Community Services

New York State Offers Free Home HIV Test Kits For December

December 7th, 2022

Knowing your HIV status is important for your health. It’s also important for ending the HIV epidemic. New York State wants you to get tested for HIV. Now through the end of December, you can request a FREE HIV test you can take in the privacy of your own home. Think of it as a holiday gift from the state’s Department of Health!

Visit this link to take the eligibility quiz. You can also text the word TEXT to 40457.

Why wait? Start off 2023 knowing your HIV status.

Got questions about HIV? Contact us or call/text (845) 704-7624.

Kingston Office Wins Best Group In Employee Costume Contest

November 17th, 2022

Our Kingston office staff members teamed up as a group costume in Cornerstone Family Healthcare’s annual Halloween Costume Contest. Human Resources conducts the contest and awards the prizes. The Kingston team always does a great job with theme days and costume contests (they also throw wonderful office potluck lunches) and this year was no exception!

Relive The Most Important Meal 2022

October 25th, 2022

On Sunday, October 23, 2022, HVCS hosted its sixth annual Most Important Meal fundraiser at the Fishkill Recreation Center. This charity breakfast raised more than $8,100 for our Emergency Food Closet program, which serves over 1,200 clients each year. Browse through photos from the event to relive the morning (or see what you missed). Kids had fun wrapping their grown-ups as mummies, the audience got in on some Name That Song fun, and even Spiderman made a surprise appearance! For more information on this event, visit our Most Important Meal page.

This event was presented by Hudson Valley Credit Union.

Sponsors of the 2022 Most Important Meal

Supporters Stepped Up For The Most Important Meal

October 21st, 2022

We are so grateful for the support we received from our sponsors, donors, board members, and staff for the 2022 Most Important Meal. Please watch this video to see the local businesses and people who stepped up and donated time, talent or treasure to HVCS’ emergency food closets.