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The past several months have been extremely challenging for everyone as individuals, as families and as communities; we are all deeply effected by COVID-19 and by the civil unrest in our communities. These are unprecedented times, filled with confusion, pain, emotions and change. Many of us are trying to navigate our way through these complex and emotional issues, which are not foreign to the work we have done at NJCRI for so many years. Our community has been overwhelmed and disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and HIV and not necessarily due to the medical issues, but more because of the underlying social disparities that still plague our community and this country to this day.
Today we see these issues being dealt with in blunt and direct ways that we have never seen before. Communities are coming together in support of and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement and NJCRI want to make it clear that we too stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
During these times of stress, we should all be mindful to take care ourselves and as always take into consideration the health and well-being of our clients whose challenges maybe the same or even more monumental than ours.
The journey ahead will be full of physical, emotional and spiritual struggles, but as we have been for the last 30 years, NJCRI will continue to be here for you, your families and our community. NJCRIās doors are always open to everyone in the community and we will always guarantee that we will treat everyone with respect, dignity and compassion and will ensure that those ideals are part of the fabric of our organization and are always reflected in the work we do and the services we provide
WE ARE OPEN!!!!!
IMPORTANT Message regarding
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
First and foremost, we care about your safety! That's why all of NJCRI employees, staff and clinicians have been tested for COVID-19 before returning to work. Also, prior to entering the premises or facility, all persons (staff and patients) must undergo a screening for the virus that includes a temperature check. Post COVID-19 quarantine, NJCRI services can be accessed in multiple ways. We will continue telemedicine, video conferencing with physicians and counselors, and will now begin on-site, outdoor services in our medical mobile units, and private canopies stationed behind our building at 393 Central Ave., Newark.
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PLEASE NOTE: You MUST have an appointment with your physician/counselor for on-site services.
Please call us for an assessment and next steps!
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Medical Services: (973) 558-5039
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Psychiatric Services: (973) 558-5054
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Syringe Exchange Services: (973) 558-5063 /OPEN DAILY UNTIL 4PM
We will be updating the NJCRI website regularly to keep you informed of any further developments. Also follow us on Facebook/NJCRI for current information. Please check daily. In the meantime, please utilize the sources below for additional information about the Coronavirus and best health practices to keep yourself, your famliy friends and community safe during this time.
If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, or believe you have come in contact with the coronavirus:
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NJDOH guideline:https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml or call 211 or you reach out to us for a consultation or referral: (973) 558-5039
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Center of Disease Control and Prevention / https://ww.cdc.gov
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New Jersey 211 /
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New Jersey Department of Health
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ATTN NEWARK: SCREENING SITE FOR NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) TO OPEN IN
ESSEX COUNTY WEEQUAHIC PARK
Essex County Residents can Register for an Appointment at www.EssexCOVID.org
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The testing site is for Essex County residents; appointments are mandatory. Residents must arrive by car.
ABOUT US
NJCRI distinguishes itself by its over 30 year history of providing HIV/AIDS care and treatment to individuals in Northern New Jersey. We are a strong integrated team between all our departments and our full service model, makes NJCRI unique and a welcome oasis for our community. We will continue to adapt and support our clients with essential and innovative services.
The North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI) is one of New Jerseyās largest and most comprehensive HIV/AIDS community-based organization.
Our mission is to "empower our clients by reducing social and health disparities in the greater Newark area.ā
Over the past 30 years of service NJCRI has adapted and changed to rally the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as providing important social services to our community. In 1988, the initial focus was to provide clinical trials in Newark so those that were infected with the HIV virus could gain access to promising investigational treatments. At that time patients were required to travel to New York to receive these services. NJCRI was the first AIDS service organization in New Jersey to provide medical care to those with HIV. Our staff have published more than 30 research articles and have presented their research findings at local, national and international AIDS conferences.
Today with over 40 different grant-funded programs, NJCRI continues to be on the cutting edge of HIV treatment. We understand that HIV is much larger than just a medical issue, and take pride in providing those in the midst of health disparities with the opportunity to improve their quality of life. We have taken a holistic approach by streamlining all our services and creating a one-stop resource center for our clients. Named after an esteemed and respected former colleague, the Dr. George Perez Medical Care Center provides care and treatment to both HIV negative and HIV positive patients alike.
Additional services we offer include behavioral research, transgender medical care, pediatrics, primary medical care, chronic illness management education, street outreach, substance abuse treatment, transportation, mental health/psychiatric services, food pantry, syringe exchange, an adult drop-in center for the homeless , and many LGBTQ services including a drop-in center for LGBTQ youth. We are also strong community advocates and provide technical assistance to other community-based organizations in our area. Approximately over 10,000 people avail themselves of our free and confidential services each year
Years of Experience
Clients served yearly
on average
Grant funded programs
Dedicated Staff
OUR DIRECTORS
Brian McGovern
Chief Executive Officer
Henry Iwuala
Director of
Behavioral Health
Awilda Rivera
Director of Operations
Corey DeStefano
Director of Research
Joseph Rothenberg
Chief Financial Officer
Julio Roman
Director of Community and LGBTQ services
Ronald Poblete, M.D.
Medical Director
Edward Raiten
Director of
Care and Treatment
PAY IT FORWARD!
THE GUIDING FORCE BEHIND OUR MISSION ... OUR CLIENTS!
Your unrestricted donation to NJCRI can help us raise awareness and provide essential treatment and support for those whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS, those who are battling addiction, the homeless, for those in need of emotional support, and for our LGBTQ community at large.
When you make a gift, you reaffirm your belief in our mission of service and demonstrate your concern for and willingness to help your community.
NJCRI is a 501(c) 3 charitable institution (EIN: 52-1592616). Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Check donations can be made out to : NJCRI
Mailing address:
NJCRI
Attn: Joseph Rothenberg
393 Central Ave
Newark, NJ 07103
CONTACT US
*EXTREME WEATHER CLOSURE INFORMATION: (973) 483-3444
DUE TO CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL EMERGENCY, HOURS OF OPERATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. APPOINTMENT ONLY.
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Our Address
Counseling, Testing, and Referral
Health Screening Department:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5035
Toll free ā (888) 688-9097
(973) 483-3444 x 215 / Moseale Coker
Fax ā (973) 412-8500
HIV Care and Treatment Services:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5039
Erika Escabi, RN x 203 e.esabi@njcri.org
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Medical Case Management:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5041
(973) 483-3444 X 208 / Vieshia Morales
v.morales@njcri.org
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Nursing Services:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5039
Erika Escabi, RN x 203 e.esabi@njcri.org
Eileen Scarinci, DNP, x 250 e.scarinci@njcri.org
Mental Health:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5040
(973) 483-3444 x 207 / James DeSantis
(973) 483-3444 x 238 / George Walker
g.walker@njcri.org
F: (973) 849-0117
Substance Abuse:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5045
(973) 483-3444 x 237 / Dorinda Coleman
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Crossroads/ Project Access:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5063
(973) 483-3444 x 204 / Ricardo Rodney
Food pantry:
(973) 483-3444 x 220 / Ron Berry
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HOURS
Monday:
8AM - 6PM
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Tuesdays - Friday
8AM - 8PM
Saturday
12PM -8PM
LGBTQ Services:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 412-9605
(888) 688-9078
(973) 483-3444 x 217 / Julion Roman
j.roman@njcri.org
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PrEP:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5039
(973) 483-3444 x 251 / Ivan Wilson
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Project RENEW:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5054
(973) 483-3444 X 222 / Henry Iwuala
h.iwuala@njcri.org
Fax ā (973) 648-0312
Clinical Trials:
PLEASE CALL: (973) 483-8008
(973) 483-3444 x 209 / Juan Torres
j.torres@njcri.org
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(973) 483-3444 x205 / Corey DeStefano
NJ REACT:
PLEASE CALL: 973 558- 5048
(888) 657-3228
(973) 483-3444 x 201 / Shariff Hall
s.hall@njcri.org
Fax ā (973) 485-7080
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Medical Monitoring Project:
Shena Dance / s.dance@njcri.org
973-483-3444 x239
Oskar Gonzalez / o.gonzalez@njcri.org
973-483-3444 x 223
Fax 973-485-7080
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CONTACT US
NJCRI is about Community focused care. Please contact us with any questions regarding medical services and treatments, or If you would like to learn more about a specific program and how you can get involved!
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393 Central Avenue Newark, NJ 07103
(973) 483-3444