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 Jersey’s 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.”

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

OUR SERVICES

 | MORE INFORMATION ON PATIENT CARE |

 | MORE INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY SERVICES |

 | MORE INFORMATION ON LGBTQ SERVICES |

31

Years of Experience

9,500

Clients served yearly

 on average 

40+

Grant funded programs

75

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!

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

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.

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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393 Central Ave

Newark NJ, 07103

info@njcri.org      

Tel: 973-483-3444

Our Address

Counseling, Testing, and Referral

Health Screening Department:

PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5035
Toll free – (888) 688-9097

(973) 483-3444 x 215 / Moseale Coker
Fax – (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

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Mental Health:

PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5040
(973) 483-3444 x 207 / James DeSantis

j.desantis@njcri.org

(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

d.coleman@njcri.org

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Crossroads/ Project Access:

PLEASE CALL: (973) 558-5063
(973) 483-3444 x 204 / Ricardo Rodney

r.rodney@njcri.org

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 – (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 – (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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