Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including Buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol), are the safest and most effective treatment for opioid dependence.

These medications relieve withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. They are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another. These medications are safe to use for months, years, or even a lifetime.

MOUD reduces morbidity and mortality, decreases overdose deaths, reduces transmission of infectious disease, increases treatment retention, improves social functioning, and reduces encounters with the criminal justice system.

Our program provides prescriptions for buprenorphine and naltrexone, individualized dosing plans, and comfort medications to support patients in decreasing or stopping their substance use.

The National Harm Reduction Coalition defines harm reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm Reduction is also a movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.

We provide evidence-based harm reduction tools such as:

• Naloxone (Narcan) and opioid overdose reversal training
• Supplies to reduce the spread of infectious diseases
• Drug testing devices, such as fentanyl test strips
• Wound care products
• Sharps disposal
• Educational materials on safer drug use practices

We strive to provide low barrier care and easily accessible services. We believe that decreasing program requirements leads to better outcomes. We are low-threshold in that we:

• Do not require ID
• Do not require insurance at intake
• Offer medication the same day as intake
• Provide transportation
• Offer financial support for recovery housing
• Have flexible appointment times and clinic locations

Our Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) use a combination of their personal experience of substance use and specialized training to help support others who struggle with substance use, mental health, or psychological trauma. Peers support Drexel HOPE patients by:

• Being an accessible first point of contact to address clients’ questions or concerns
• Acting as a mentor and being present for those engaged in the recovery process
• Helping people advocate for and access resources they need to support their recovery
• Bringing their personal experiences to decisions about program and policy development
• Participating in community engagement activities to promote treatment and support services

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• Onsite rapid HIV testing and confirmatory blood tests are offered to our clients
• Free rapid home HIV test kits are provided to anyone in need. Stop by our mobile clinic locations to pick up a test kit

If you are at higher risk of getting HIV, you may be able to take medication to help prevent the illness.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. Medication comes as a once-a-day pill or injection given every two months. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

• Drexel HOPE patients can receive PrEP prescriptions directly from our mobile van locations
• Anyone at risk of HIV can call 215.762.2530 to schedule a PrEP appointment
• We work closely with Drexel Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice, one of the region's largest HIV care centers. Anyone at risk of HIV can call 215.762.2530 to schedule a PrEP appointment

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine to prevent HIV after possible exposure. PEP should only be used in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after possible exposure to HIV.

• If you’ve had a recent exposure HIV call 215.762.2530 to talk to us about starting PEP
• If you need PEP after business hours call Philadelphia’s PEP 24/7 hotline at 833.933.2815 or go to your nearest emergency room

If you are a person living with HIV and in need of medical care, please call Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice at 215.762.2530 to schedule an appointment. We offer comprehensive primary and HIV specialty care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Hepatitis C is a curable viral liver infection passed by contact with blood, unprotected sex or sharing drug preparation equipment like needles, syringes or cookers. According to the Philadelphia Department of Public health, an estimated 53,000 people in Philadelphia are living with HCV and most people are unaware they have the virus. Hepatitis C can be cured in as little as eight weeks. Treatment is safe and has few side effects. We offer the following hepatitis C services:

• Onsite rapid hepatitis C testing
• Onsite phlebotomy & lab services
• Onsite treatment
• Personalized risk reduction planning
• Harm reduction tools to decrease transmission

Our nurses and medical providers treat wounds and skin infections, such as boils or abscesses. We also dispense wound care supplies, so folks have what they need to care for themselves.

For our clients who want to prevent pregnancy, we offer a range of options including:

• Free condoms and lube
• Birth control pills, patches & rings
• Long-acting injectable Depo-Provera
• Emergency contraception (aka Plan B, “morning after pill”)

We believe substance dependence treatment should be inclusive and affirming to queer and trans clients. In addition to having multiple staff members belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, our medical providers can prescribe gender affirming hormones for our clients.

We offer a variety of educational opportunities and can customize trainings that are specifically tailored to meet your team’s needs. We also provide direct clinical support for medical providers new to prescribing MOUD. Our previous trainings have covered topics such as:

• Harm reduction
• The war on drugs and drug policy
• Opioid overdose recognition and reversal (Narcan training)
• MOUD best practices

Screening and treatment for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis.