MATTERS Network

12/01/2025

We are very excited to introduce our new Outreach Coordinator, Mike Bernardi.

Hometown? Saranac, NY

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The person-centered approach and the willingness to meet people where they are.

Favorite place to visit in New York State? Whiteface Mountain 🗻

11/26/2025

Did you know Long Island City, NY, has a harm reduction vending machine?

Managed by Phoenix House, it offers free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use.

To find other vending machine locations, visit www.mattersnetwork.org/vending-machines/.

11/25/2025

Harm reduction matters.

and test strips are reaching communities across New York, helping prevent overdoses every day.

Individuals and organizations can order for free at www.mattersnetwork.org/supplies

MATTERS distributes free harm reduction supplies, including test strips and naloxone (Narcan), across New York State. Order supplies now!

11/24/2025

Over the past couple of weeks, our team has been on the road and even coast to coast, attending conferences and events.

We enjoyed connecting with partners and establishing new connections, while continuing important conversations about expanding access to care for opioid use disorder, harm reduction supplies, and supportive services.

11/21/2025

You spoke, and we listened.

The MATTERS Referral Platform now offers our partners more flexibility and account management.

Explore the latest updates: mattersnetwork.org/referral-platform-online

11/20/2025

The holidays can be hard, but you don't have to go through them alone.

Visit www.mattersnetwork.org for help, resources, and support.

11/18/2025

Harm Reduction Coordinator, Mia Dickinson, walks through Step 1: preparing your drug test strip in our "How to Use Test Strips" video.

Learn how to stay safe and test before you use!

To watch the full video and order free test strips, visit mattersnetwork.org/supplies-online.

11/14/2025

Did you know the Erie County Department of Health manages a harm reduction vending machine that provides free naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use and save lives?

Thank you to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support for your partnership and collaboration on this initiative.

To find other vending machine locations, visit www.mattersnetwork.org/vending-machines/.

11/13/2025

Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joshua Lynch, will be the keynote speaker at the Beyond Addiction: A Prescription for Progress Symposium on November 20th.

We are proud to see his leadership and commitment to advancing solutions and expanding access to care for individuals with opioid use disorder recognized.

Members of our outreach team, including Raven Manchester and Mike Bernardi, will be tabling at the event.

Registration link: https://zurl.co/kitVS

11/12/2025

We are now accepting applications for our spring internship program!

If you're a graduate student interested in harm reduction and public health communication, we'd love to have you on our team.

This internship includes a stipend.

Apply at: www.mattersnetwork.org/careers

11/11/2025

In Allegheny County, every connection matters.

From hospitals and first responders to community organizations, you can help bridge the gap between individuals and the care they deserve.

Join the MATTERS referral network to strengthen treatment access and create a support system for those impacted by opioid use disorder.

Learn more at: www.mattersnetwork.org

MATTERS links people with substance use disorder to outpatient treatment with a focus on rapid access to medication for addiction treatment.

11/10/2025

Part two of our three-part series, written by our Harm Reduction Manager, Shelby Arena, explores the "who" of drug checking.

Learn about the groups, communities, institutions, and individuals who use, develop, and fund drug checking initiatives to keep people safe.

Read more: mattersnetwork.org/drug-checking-part-two-who