Organization Overview: Buddies of New Jersey, Inc. (NJB) Mission & History Founded in 1985, Buddies of New Jersey, Inc. (NJB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the premier AIDS Service Organization (ASO) serving Bergen and Passaic Counties . For nearly 40 years, their mission has been "to provide support, education, and services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS," with a specific focus on enhancing quality of life, preventing disease transmission, and fighting social stigma. Population Served & Reach Headquartered at the Franklin A. Smith Resource Center in Hackensack, NJ, the organization serves a diverse client base across Northern New Jersey. While historically focused on Bergen and Passaic counties, NJB has expanded its reach into Hudson County . They specifically target individuals living with HIV/AIDS, those at high risk of infection, people who use drugs, the LGBTQ+ community, and youth aged 13-28. Core Capacity & Infrastructure Buddies of NJ operates as a comprehensive healthcare hub. With an annual revenue exceeding $5 million and a dedicated staff of 24-30 professionals, NJB is a state-licensed entity offering an integrated "Medical Home" model . Their funding is derived from federal grants (Ryan White Care Act, HOPWA), the New Jersey Department of Health, private foundations, and community fundraising. Key Services The organization provides a holistic continuum of care that addresses the social determinants of health, including: Medical & Non-Medical Case Management: Ensuring retention in HIV care and reducing barriers to compliance. Licensed Substance Abuse & Mental Health Counseling: NJHS Licensed services provided by an LCSW for dual-diagnosis patients. Dental Services: Referrals to private dental practices to maintain overall health. Housing (HOPWA): The Robert A. Harrison House provides assisted living on the grounds of Bergen Regional Medical Center, alongside homelessness prevention services. Support Services: A Food Bank, Medical Transportation (two vans operating 52 weeks/year), Translation, and a Youth Safe-Space. Harm Reduction Services Buddies of NJ operates a robust, low-threshold Harm Reduction program designed to meet people "where they are," specifically targeting individuals at risk for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases, with a particular focus on people who use drugs. Mobile Outreach & Supply Distribution NJB utilizes a fleet of mobile units (including a 30-foot Ford Winnebago and a Ford Transit) to conduct street-level outreach in designated high-need areas such as the City of Passaic, Clifton, Lodi, Garfield, and Hackensack. Safer Use Supplies: Staff distribute sterile syringes, safer smoking kits, condoms, and Narcan (Naloxone) to prevent overdose and reduce the transmission of disease. Syringe Sweeps: The team actively conducts syringe sweeps in the community to ensure the safe disposal of used needles, promoting public safety. Overdose Prevention & Emergency Response Harm Reduction Specialists are trained to respond to overdoses and other critical incidents in the field as they occur during outreach shifts. They also provide on-demand overdose prevention and response training to community members and local networks. Integrated Testing & Status-Neutral Approach NJB pairs harm reduction supply distribution with immediate clinical services: Rapid Testing: Free, confidential HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI testing with results available in under 15 minutes via the Mobile Testing Unit. PrEP Linkage: Staff assess clients for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) eligibility, discuss potential side effects, and provide referrals and assistance with insurance enrollment. Referral & Care Coordination The harm reduction program serves as a critical bridge to the organization’s broader medical infrastructure. Specialists facilitate referrals to: Substance use treatment programs and detoxification services. Medical and mental health care (LCSW). Homeless shelters and housing assistance (HOPWA). Syringe access programs and HIV care. Staff Expertise & Cultural Competency Recognizing that lived experience is critical to building trust, NJB prioritizes hiring staff with "Lived/Living Experience" regarding drug use or harm reduction . The organization values racial justice, health equity, and the dignity of people who use drugs, ensuring that services are non-judgmental and person-centered. Staff are required to maintain HIV/HCV Testing Certification and Recovery Coach Certifications
149 Hudson St
BUDDIES OF NJ RESOURCE CENTER
Hackensack, NJ 07601
abraham@njbuddies.org
ashley@njbuddies.org
https://www.njbuddies.org
buddies of NJ, Inc
njbuddies
Located at: 149 Hudson St, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (Fixed Site)
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Mobile Unit Locations and Hours:
Located at: Passaic County (Cities of Passaic/Clifton):
Thursdays 10:00am to 6:00pm
Located at: Bergen County (Cities of Lodi/Garfield):
Fridays 10:00am to 6:00pm
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