Mission Statement

The mission of Peer Network of New York (PNNY) is to support the work of Peers across New York State through education and training, leadership development, and advocacy. PNNY recognizes that Peers are most effective in fighting to save lives and reduce harm for our most vulnerable community members, and that the stigma of drug use, sex work, LGBTQIA identification, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and arrest/incarceration continues to devastate our communities. PNNY acknowledges Peers for the experts that we are, and encourages self-empowerment and professionalism through best practices and ongoing mentoring and support.

Vision:

To promote the empowerment of all Peers through personal and professional development.

WHO WE ARE

Peer Network of New York (PNNY) started in 2010 as a pilot project with NYCDOHMH’s Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention, Care & Treatment to connect with Peers working in harm reduction, syringe exchange programs (SEP) and naloxone distribution. PNNY has a long-standing history of engaging with individuals and communities in the South Bronx and East Harlem, and is now a network of over 300 Peers in New York’s five boroughs and across the State.

▶ Principles

PNNY calls for the elimination of structural and systemic violence and oppression of people of color, indigenous people, women, and transgender and gender non-conforming people.

PNNY is committed to increasing opportunities for people who use drugs, people who engage in sex work, women, LGBTQIA communities, people who are living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C, people who experience homelessness, and any other vulnerable communities to become Peers.

PNNY recognizes that poverty, racism, social isolation, stigma, and other inequalities impact Peers differently, and seeks to ensure that proper mentoring and support is provided for every Peer on a consistent basis within their respective agencies and organizations.

PNNY believes in every Peer’s right to equitable compensation, fair treatment, ongoing personal and professional development, educational opportunities, and healthy working conditions.

PNNY encourages people who use drugs, people who engage in sex work, women, LGBTQIA communities, people who are living with HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C, people who experience homelessness, and any other vulnerable communities to lead and create peer-based public health interventions and programs.

Leadership

Hiawatha Collins, Co-Director
Terrell Jones, Co-Director
Marilyn Reyes, Co-Director
Rachel Arana, Peer Leader
William Robertson, Peer Leader

BOARD OF ADVISORS
Michele Calvo, MPH
Chaplain Eric K. Freeman
Rev. Erica Poellot
Martha Ruiz

Programs

COMMUNITY education & training

PNNY’s Education & Training program is designed to enhance competencies in specific areas that are integral to the work of Peers. We are available to give trainings for direct service providers who are interested in using the harm reduction approach. Customized workshops are typically 60-90 minutes and may include the following topics:

Harm Reduction
Safer Drug Use & Treatment Options
Syringe Safety & Universal Precautions
HIV & HCV Prevention for Outreach
Sexual Health
Sex Work
Peer Engagement & Outreach
Peer Professionalism: Working with Lived Experience
Taking Care of Yourself: Trauma & Repair

Please contact us directly via email for a quote.

COMMUNITY Advocacy

PNNY’s Advocacy program seeks to ensure that Peers have a greater understanding of all policies that affect them, and the ability to represent themselves whenever policy decisions are being made that affect their daily lives. Campaigns are peer-driven and prioritized by direct input from members, and seek opportunities to develop dedicated community leaders. PNNY Community Advocacy activities include:

Community Actions
Local, State & National Policy Initiatives
Recommended guidelines & policies for the equitable treatment of Peers

PEER ENGAGEMENT & Leadership Development

PNNY’s Leadership Development program provides opportunities for Peers to expand their networks and prepare for community outreach and organizing efforts through various activities:

Individual Mentoring & Linkages to Community Resources
Peer Conference; Peer Appreciation Social; Community Outreach events
Public Speaking & Community Training Facilitation

Get Involved

Meetings

PNNY holds weekly meetings, and hosts Peer appreciation and networking events, which are open to all Peers throughout the State of New York. Please contact us for more information.

Contact

Partnerships

Peer Network of New York is a fiscally sponsored project of Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders (VOCAL-NY), and receives support from Bronx Opioid Collective, Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC), New York Academy of Medicine, New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) Bureau of Alcohol & Drug Use Prevention, Care & Treatment, and New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute.