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Our team of staff represents 15 countries and speaks 20 languages, making our services accessible to individuals from various cultural backgrounds. We provide our services free of charge and offer assistance in navigating healthcare systems and insurance options.
Free & Low-Cost Health Care Services
The United States health care system can be difficult for newcomers to learn how to navigate. For over 45 years, African Services has helped our clients care for their physical and mental health as they arrive in New York City. We provide essential services and support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their financial capabilities. Our range of services includes:
- Free and confidential testing
- Preventive health care
- Referrals to treatment
- Counseling and mental health support
- Women’s and maternal health education
- A pathway to affordable primary care
Expanding HIV prevention and access to AIDS treatment and care is central to our mission. We are committed to challenging stigma and discrimination at all levels and supporting individuals, families, and communities most impacted by AIDS. Combined with life-saving treatment, this care and support has transformed thousands of lives.
Walk-In Testing Services in NYC
African Services operates an on-site testing center at our offices in Harlem as a resource for all New Yorkers seeking free and confidential testing. Our Walk-In Testing Center is open Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM for:
- HIV
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Blood glucose (diabetes)
- Blood pressure (hypertension)
- Pregnancy
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
African Services Testing Center
The testing center is a vital gateway to health care and an important part of our hepatitis program, which emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s status, early intervention, education, self-efficacy, and better outcomes. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome.
Call +1 (212) 222-3882 for availability of COVID-19 at-home test kits.
Preventive Health Care Services & Vaccinations
African Services frequently partners with health care providers and other nonprofits to host preventative health events throughout New York City. Recent events have included:
- Free testing and screenings,
- Educational presentations by physicians,
- Free vaccines,
- Needs assessments,
- Referrals to resources,
- And more.
We also host monthly vaccination clinics in our office in partnership with Ryan Health. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated when new events are announced, or call +1 (212) 222-3882 for dates and details.
Educational Workshops on Health
Our educational workshops cover a wide range of topics, including HIV prevention, sexual health, mental well-being, and substance abuse. These workshops are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Women’s & Maternal Education
African Services provides monthly educational workshops on maternal and child health. The Maternal and Child Nutrition Workshops, facilitated in English, French, and Spanish, educate women of reproductive age and their children on nutrition before, during, and after pregnancy. The Maternal and Child Health Workshop, facilitated in English and French, educates women of reproductive age in 90-minute sessions on safe sleep for infants, family planning, diabetes, hypertension, and nutrition.
Risk to Reasons
Our “Risk to Reasons” framework represents a significant shift in HIV prevention strategies. Instead of relying on fear-based approaches, this approach encourages a positive embrace of the reasons motivating women to adopt healthier practices and self-care. This not only improves their HIV prevention and care outcomes but also opens new opportunities to address a wide range of needs and concerns that play a crucial role in women’s overall well-being.
Women’s Health Program
The Women’s Health Program organizes a series of workshops every quarter. These workshops are thoughtfully designed from a perspective that considers social determinants of health to address the diverse needs within our community to help protect individuals from HIV.
Other Health Education Programs
In addition to our educational workshops, we offer a range of valuable services:
- Service Navigation: Our dedicated team helps connect members to essential resources beyond HIV prevention.
- Support: We facilitate he creation of support networks, fostering a sense of community and mutual assistance.
- Community Messenger Program Development: This initiative allows interested community members to enhance their skills and support fellow women, enriching their experiences by sharing knowledge.
Referrals for Free PrEP
PrEP is a free medication that can be taken confidentially once per day to prevent HIV, regardless of your immigration status, ability to pay, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. PrEP can be taken by anyone who is HIV-free, no matter your relationship status or the sexual practices you engage in. When used correctly and consistently, PrEP is proven to be highly effective in reducing one’s risk of acquiring HIV. Because PrEP doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, it should be used together with condoms.
If you can’t or don’t want to take medication every day, PrEP On-Demand may work for you. Talk to your provider about PrEP On-Demand. PrEP is safe and generally well-tolerated. Routine HIV tests, STI tests, and labs will need to be taken every 3 months to continue PrEP and help ensure you are healthy. For more information about PrEP, visit the African Services Walk-In Testing Center (Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM), or contact our health department at health@africanservices.org.
Mental Health Care
At African Services, we recognize that mental health is an integral part of overall wellness. We provide in-person and telehealth appointments for mental health care services in English and French to clients in all of our major programs: health, housing, legal, social welfare, education, and pantry services. We also offer counseling services, support groups, an LGBT program, and referrals to specialized mental health professionals as needed.
The package of mental health care services includes mental health status assessments, diagnosis, treatment, ongoing emotional support, psychoeducation, problem-solving, and information and referral for more extensive psychiatric treatment, as needed.
See the Impact of Prioritizing Your Health
Contact our Health Team at health@africanservices.org for more information.