Introduction
ACR Health Syracuse stands as Central New York’s premier community health center, providing comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay. Originally founded as AIDS Community Resources, ACR Health has evolved into a full-service healthcare organization serving the greater Syracuse area with a commitment to accessible, culturally competent care for all community members.
Located in the heart of Syracuse, ACR Health offers a wide range of medical services, behavioral health support, and social services designed to meet the diverse needs of Central New York residents. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ACR Health Syracuse’s services, locations, and how to access care.
About ACR Health Syracuse
History and Mission
ACR Health Syracuse began as a grassroots response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and has grown into a federally qualified health center (FQHC) serving thousands of patients annually. The organization’s mission centers on providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services while advocating for health equity and social justice in Central New York.
Core Values
- Accessibility: Healthcare services available regardless of insurance status or ability to pay
- Cultural Competency: Respectful, inclusive care for all community members
- Comprehensive Care: Medical, behavioral, and social services under one roof
- Community Partnership: Active engagement with local organizations and stakeholders
- Health Equity: Addressing social determinants of health and healthcare disparities
ACR Health Syracuse Locations and Hours
Main Syracuse Location
ACR Health’s primary Syracuse facility provides comprehensive medical and social services in a convenient downtown location, easily accessible by public transportation and major roadways.
Services Available:
- Primary medical care
- HIV/AIDS specialty services
- Mental health counseling
- Substance use treatment
- Social services and case management
- Pharmacy services
Satellite Locations
ACR Health operates additional locations throughout Onondaga County to increase access to care for rural and suburban communities.
Operating Hours:
- Monday through Friday: Extended hours available
- Weekend appointments: Available for urgent care
- After-hours support: 24/7 crisis line available
Comprehensive Medical Services
Primary Care Services
ACR Health Syracuse provides complete primary care services for patients of all ages, including:
Adult Primary Care:
- Annual physical examinations and wellness visits
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease)
- Preventive care and health screenings
- Immunizations and vaccines
- Women’s reproductive health services
- Men’s health services
Pediatric Care:
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- School and sports physicals
- Childhood immunizations
- Adolescent health services
- Family planning education
Geriatric Care:
- Senior wellness programs
- Medicare annual wellness visits
- Chronic condition management
- Medication management
- Coordination with specialists
HIV/AIDS Specialty Services
As a Ryan White Program recipient, ACR Health Syracuse provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS care including:
HIV Testing and Prevention:
- Free, confidential HIV testing
- Rapid testing with same-day results
- Anonymous testing options available
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) counseling
HIV Treatment and Care:
- Antiretroviral therapy management
- CD4 and viral load monitoring
- Treatment adherence counseling
- Opportunistic infection prevention
- Medication assistance programs
Support Services:
- HIV care coordination
- Benefits enrollment assistance
- Transportation services
- Nutritional counseling
- Peer support groups
Sexual Health and STI Services
ACR Health provides comprehensive sexual health services including:
STI Testing and Treatment:
- Comprehensive STI screening panels
- Same-day testing and treatment
- Partner notification services
- Prevention education and counseling
- Hepatitis testing and vaccination
Reproductive Health Services:
- Family planning counseling
- Contraception services
- Pregnancy testing and options counseling
- Prenatal care coordination
- LGBTQ+ affirming reproductive care
Mental Health and Behavioral Services
Counseling and Therapy Services
ACR Health Syracuse offers comprehensive mental health services through licensed professionals:
Individual Therapy:
- Depression and anxiety treatment
- Trauma-informed care
- LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
- HIV-related counseling
- Grief and loss support
Group Therapy:
- Support groups for various conditions
- Peer-led recovery groups
- Family therapy sessions
- Community education workshops
Substance Use Treatment
ACR Health provides evidence-based substance use treatment including:
Outpatient Treatment Programs:
- Individual substance abuse counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family counseling services
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Harm Reduction Services:
- Needle exchange programs
- Naloxone distribution and training
- Safe use education
- Overdose prevention
- Recovery support services
Social Services and Case Management
Benefits and Enrollment Services
ACR Health assists patients with accessing essential benefits:
Insurance Enrollment:
- Medicaid application assistance
- Marketplace insurance enrollment
- Medicare enrollment support
- SNAP (food stamps) applications
- Social Security benefits assistance
Housing and Emergency Services:
- Housing assistance and referrals
- Emergency financial assistance
- Utility payment assistance
- Transportation vouchers
- Food pantry services
Case Management Services
Comprehensive case management helps patients navigate healthcare and social services:
Service Coordination:
- Medical appointment scheduling
- Prescription assistance
- Specialist referrals
- Transportation coordination
- Benefits advocacy
Health Education:
- Disease prevention education
- Medication adherence training
- Healthy lifestyle counseling
- Community resource information
- Self-advocacy skills training
Specialized Programs
Ryan White Program Services
ACR Health is a Ryan White Program recipient, providing HIV care services including:
- Core medical services for HIV-positive individuals
- HIV medications assistance
- Mental health and substance abuse services
- Dental and vision care coordination
- Emergency financial assistance
Minority AIDS Initiative
Targeted services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS:
- Culturally specific outreach and education
- Peer navigation services
- Community-based testing events
- Linkage to care services
- Prevention education programs
Women’s Health Initiative
Comprehensive services addressing women’s unique health needs:
- Reproductive health services
- Cervical cancer screening
- Domestic violence support
- Maternal health services
- Family planning education
Insurance and Payment Options
Accepted Insurance Plans
ACR Health accepts most major insurance plans including:
- Medicaid (all plans)
- Medicare
- Commercial insurance plans
- Marketplace insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- No-fault insurance
Sliding Scale Fee Program
For uninsured or underinsured patients, ACR Health offers:
- Income-based sliding scale fees
- Payment plans available
- Financial counseling services
- Charity care applications
- Emergency financial assistance
Free and Low-Cost Services
Certain services are available at no cost:
- HIV testing and counseling
- STI testing
- Emergency medications
- Crisis intervention
- Community education programs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Services Questions
Q: What services does ACR Health Syracuse provide? A: ACR Health Syracuse is a federally qualified health center offering comprehensive healthcare services including primary medical care, HIV/AIDS specialty services, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, dental services, pharmacy services, and extensive social services including case management and benefits enrollment assistance.
Q: Do I need insurance to receive care at ACR Health Syracuse? A: No, ACR Health provides care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. They accept most insurance plans and offer a sliding scale fee program based on income for uninsured patients. Some services, like HIV testing, are provided free of charge.
Q: Where is ACR Health Syracuse located and what are the hours? A: ACR Health has multiple locations throughout Syracuse and Onondaga County. The main Syracuse location is downtown with convenient public transportation access. Hours vary by location and service, with extended hours available and some weekend appointments. Contact the specific location for current hours.
Q: How do I make an appointment at ACR Health Syracuse? A: You can make appointments by calling ACR Health directly, using their online patient portal if you’re an existing patient, or walking in during designated walk-in hours. New patients are welcome and same-day appointments are often available for urgent needs.
Medical Services Questions
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide primary care for families? A: Yes, ACR Health provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, from pediatric care through geriatric services. They offer family-centered care and can serve as your medical home for all routine and preventive healthcare needs.
Q: What types of HIV services does ACR Health Syracuse offer? A: ACR Health provides comprehensive HIV services including free confidential testing, prevention services like PrEP and PEP, complete HIV medical care and treatment, medication assistance programs, case management, and support services. They are a Ryan White Program provider with extensive experience in HIV care.
Q: Can I get same-day STI testing and treatment at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, ACR Health offers comprehensive STI testing with many same-day results available. Treatment can often be provided the same day for common STIs. They also provide prevention counseling and partner notification services as needed.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide women’s reproductive health services? A: Yes, ACR Health provides comprehensive reproductive health services including family planning, contraception, pregnancy testing and counseling, prenatal care coordination, and reproductive health education. Services are provided in a respectful, non-judgmental environment.
Mental Health and Substance Use Questions
Q: What mental health services are available at ACR Health Syracuse? A: ACR Health provides comprehensive mental health services including individual therapy, group counseling, trauma-informed care, depression and anxiety treatment, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, and specialized counseling for people living with HIV. Licensed mental health professionals provide culturally competent care.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide substance abuse treatment? A: Yes, ACR Health offers outpatient substance abuse treatment including individual counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), group therapy, family counseling, and dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Q: Are there support groups available at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, ACR Health offers various support groups including HIV support groups, substance use recovery groups, mental health support groups, and educational workshops. Groups are facilitated by licensed professionals and peer counselors.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide crisis intervention services? A: Yes, ACR Health has crisis intervention services available and maintains a 24/7 crisis line. They can provide immediate support and connect individuals with appropriate emergency services when needed.
Insurance and Payment Questions
Q: What insurance plans does ACR Health Syracuse accept? A: ACR Health accepts most major insurance plans including all Medicaid plans, Medicare, most commercial insurance, marketplace plans, and specialized programs. They also accept patients without insurance through their sliding scale fee program.
Q: How does the sliding scale fee program work at ACR Health Syracuse? A: The sliding scale fee program adjusts your payment based on your household income and family size. Fees can range from free care to reduced rates based on federal poverty guidelines. Financial counselors help determine your eligibility and payment options.
Q: Can I get help with insurance enrollment at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, ACR Health has certified enrollment specialists who can help you apply for Medicaid, marketplace insurance, Medicare, and other benefits. They provide assistance with applications, renewals, and understanding your coverage options.
Q: What if I can’t afford my medications? A: ACR Health offers medication assistance programs, including help accessing pharmaceutical company assistance programs, connecting with state programs, and providing emergency medication supplies. Their pharmacy staff and case managers work together to ensure medication access.
Specialized Services Questions
Q: What is the Ryan White Program at ACR Health Syracuse? A: The Ryan White Program provides comprehensive HIV care services for eligible individuals including medical care, case management, medication assistance, mental health services, and support services. ACR Health is a Ryan White provider serving Central New York.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide services for LGBTQ+ patients? A: Yes, ACR Health is committed to providing culturally competent, affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients. Their staff receives ongoing training in LGBTQ+ health issues, and they provide specialized services including hormone therapy coordination, PrEP services, and LGBTQ+-affirming mental health care.
Q: Are there special programs for youth at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, ACR Health provides youth-friendly services including adolescent health care, sexual health education, mental health services for teens, substance use prevention and treatment, and specialized HIV prevention services for at-risk youth.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide services for seniors? A: Yes, ACR Health offers senior-focused services including geriatric primary care, Medicare wellness visits, chronic disease management, medication management, and coordination with specialists. They also help seniors access benefits and community resources.
Community Services Questions
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse have a food pantry? A: Yes, ACR Health operates a food pantry providing emergency food assistance to patients and community members in need. They also help connect people with other food assistance programs like SNAP benefits.
Q: What types of case management services does ACR Health Syracuse provide? A: Case management services include help accessing healthcare, benefits enrollment, housing assistance, transportation coordination, appointment scheduling, prescription assistance, specialist referrals, and connecting with community resources.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide transportation assistance? A: Yes, ACR Health offers transportation assistance including bus vouchers, gas cards, and coordination with medical transportation services to help patients access their appointments and pharmacy services.
Q: Can I get help with housing at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, ACR Health provides housing assistance including help finding affordable housing, rental assistance programs, emergency housing referrals, and connections with local housing organizations and shelters.
Testing and Prevention Questions
Q: Is HIV testing really free and confidential at ACR Health Syracuse? A: Yes, HIV testing is completely free and confidential. ACR Health also offers anonymous testing options. Rapid testing provides results in about 20 minutes, and comprehensive counseling is provided with all testing services.
Q: What is PrEP and can I get it at ACR Health Syracuse? A: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that prevents HIV infection when taken daily. ACR Health provides comprehensive PrEP services including medical evaluation, prescription, monitoring, and counseling for individuals at higher risk for HIV exposure.
Q: Does ACR Health Syracuse provide mobile testing services? A: Yes, ACR Health operates mobile testing units that provide HIV and STI testing at community events, colleges, workplaces, and other locations throughout Central New York. Check their website or call for the mobile testing schedule.
Q: What should I expect during my first visit to ACR Health Syracuse? A: During your first visit, you’ll complete intake paperwork, meet with registration staff to discuss insurance and payment options, have a medical screening with a nurse, and then meet with a provider. The staff will explain services available and help you develop a care plan that meets your needs.
Getting Started with ACR Health Syracuse
New Patient Process
Starting care at ACR Health Syracuse is straightforward:
- Contact ACR Health to schedule your first appointment
- Complete intake forms or arrive early to fill out paperwork
- Bring identification and insurance information if available
- Meet with registration staff to discuss payment options
- Complete health screening with nursing staff
- Meet with your provider to discuss your health needs
What to Bring
- Photo identification
- Insurance cards (if applicable)
- List of current medications
- Previous medical records (if available)
- List of questions or concerns
Preparation Tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early for appointments
- Bring a list of all medications and supplements
- Prepare questions about your health concerns
- Consider transportation needs for follow-up visits
Community Resources and Partnerships
ACR Health Syracuse works closely with community organizations to provide comprehensive support:
Healthcare Partners
- Local hospitals and specialty clinics
- Dental care providers
- Vision care services
- Pharmacy networks
- Laboratory services
Social Service Partners
- Housing organizations
- Food assistance programs
- Benefits advocacy groups
- Transportation services
- Educational institutions
Community Outreach
- Health fairs and screening events
- Educational workshops
- Community advisory boards
- Volunteer opportunities
- Fundraising events
Contact Information
For appointments, questions, or emergency assistance, ACR Health Syracuse maintains multiple contact methods:
- Main phone line for appointments and general information
- 24/7 crisis line for mental health emergencies
- Online patient portal for existing patients
- Walk-in hours for urgent needs
- Community outreach contact for events and education
Conclusion
ACR Health Syracuse represents Central New York’s commitment to accessible, comprehensive healthcare for all community members. Through their wide range of medical services, behavioral health support, and social services, ACR Health addresses both immediate health needs and underlying social determinants of health.
Whether you need primary care, specialized HIV services, mental health support, or help navigating complex social services, ACR Health Syracuse provides culturally competent, patient-centered care in a welcoming environment. Their commitment to serving all individuals regardless of insurance status or ability to pay makes them an essential healthcare resource for the greater Syracuse community.