NYC Crisis and Harm Reduction Resources
Emergency and crisis lines
If someone is unconscious, not breathing, or you suspect an overdose — call 911 immediately. For a non-medical emergency mental health or substance use crisis, NYC Well is reachable by calling or texting 988, available 24/7 in over 200 languages. 988 also connects to the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The NYS HOPEline — 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) — is a dedicated state-run addiction support line, 24/7, confidential. SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is federal, 24/7, and routes callers to local treatment and support options.
Free naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone is the opioid overdose reversal medication. It's safe, easy to administer, and free through the New York State Naloxone Co-payment Assistance Program (N-CAP) at most pharmacies in NY — no prescription required for anyone 14 and older. For people in fentanyl-exposed networks, having naloxone on hand is standard operating procedure: in your home, in a bag, with family members. The DOHMH also distributes free naloxone at community sites throughout the five boroughs. See health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/opioid_overdose_prevention.
Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs)
NYC operates two Overdose Prevention Centers, run by OnPoint NYC — the only authorized OPCs in the United States. Since their November 2021 launch, OnPoint staff have intervened to prevent overdose more than 1,600 times. OPCs provide a supervised environment where people can use drugs in the presence of trained staff who reverse overdoses when they happen, plus connections to health care, social services, and treatment referrals. Locations are in East Harlem (OPC #1) and Washington Heights / Bronx (OPC #2). See onpointnyc.org for current hours and exact addresses.
Fentanyl and xylazine test strips
Free through NY State distribution. Strips allow a person who is going to use anyway to test a sample of drug product for fentanyl and xylazine before use — not a guarantee of safety, but a significant harm-reduction step for people who are not currently able to stop using. Distribution channels include syringe service programs, community health centers, and direct order through the state program.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to get naloxone?
No. Under NY N-CAP, naloxone is free or extremely low-cost at most NY pharmacies, regardless of insurance status, for anyone 14 and older, without a prescription.
Are OPCs legal?
NYC's OPCs operate under city and state authorization; they are the only authorized OPCs in the US. The legal landscape is still evolving. Anyone using an OPC is subject to the usual laws outside the facility.
What if I need help right now but can't afford treatment?
Call NYS HOPEline (1-877-8-HOPENY) or the OASAS Locator at findaddictiontreatment.ny.gov. These cover paths including Medicaid, sliding-scale, and state-funded beds that our referral service does not.
When you're ready, we're available 24/7. (347) 329-2331.