MATTERS Network

10/21/2025

Get support for opioid use disorder (OUD) without leaving home.

Residents of Allegheny County, PA, can access same-day telemedicine evaluations, referrals to treatment, and more.

Connect now: www.mattersnetwork.org/pa

Find various resources, including harm reduction supplies and treatment resources, in Pennsylvania on the MATTERS website and mobile app.

10/20/2025

We are very excited to introduce our new Harm Reduction Coordinator, Jenni Thurston, MSW.

Hometown? Buffalo, NY

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The staff shows so much passion for continuing to improve and expand the program's positive impact and reach.

Favorite place to visit in New York State? Allegheny State Park 🌲

10/17/2025

Not sure what nitazenes are?

Here are 4 quick facts to help you understand what they are and why it's important to stay informed.

Learn more at www.mattersnetwork.org/nitazenes

10/16/2025

Our new referral platform makes it easy for individuals referred to treatment to connect with peer support that meets their needs.

Learn more or contact us today at 765-MATTERS (628-8377) or visit www.mattersnetwork.org/peer-support

With every MATTERS referral, individuals can opt-in to be linked to a peer support to assist in getting them to their first appointment.

10/14/2025

Xylazine was found in 6 out of 10 opioid samples tested in April 2025 (New York State Department of Health Drug Checking Data, 2025).

Learn the facts ⬅️

Order free test strips on our website: www.mattersnetwork.org/supplies

We're grateful to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports for making our test strip distribution program possible.

10/13/2025

We are very excited to introduce our new MATTERS Intern, Matt Fitzsimmons.

Hometown? Mansfield Township, NJ

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? Seeing the newest and most humanistic philosophies of health care played out in a professional setting has been incredible!

Favorite place to visit in New York State? OG Duff’s location in Amherst🍗

10/10/2025

This World Mental Health Day, let's remember that there is no health without mental health.

Together we can break barriers, reduce stigma, and ensure care for everyone, especially in times of crisis.

Explore our new mental health resources page for support: www.mattersnetwork.org/mental-health

10/09/2025

Did you know Port Jefferson, NY has a harm reduction vending machine?

Managed by Hope House Ministries, the vending machine provides free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use.

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/.

MATTERS' harm reduction vending machines provide 24/7 access to free overdose prevention supplies. Find a machine near you.

10/07/2025

If you're part of our Syringe Service Program, you can order free injection supplies once a month.

Not enrolled or need to reorder? Visit: www.mattersnetwork.org/order-syringes

10/06/2025

It was great having our remote team back in the Buffalo office!

We used the time to reconnect, share ideas, and spark new ways to grow together.

We also had the unique opportunity to go aboard the Edward M. Cotter, the oldest active fireboat in the world. A special thank you to the Buffalo Fire Department for welcoming us and making this experience possible.

10/03/2025

Get connected to the New York Buprenorphine Assistance Program (BUPE-AP) through MATTERS for long-term access to medication for addiction treatment.

This integration helps individuals take the next step toward ongoing care for substance use disorder.

A special thank you to the New York State Department of Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports for their partnership in making this possible.

Learn more: mattersnetwork.org/bupe-ap-referral-integration

10/01/2025

Last month was filled with community events, conferences, and new connections.

We're excited to keep the momentum going and can't wait to share what's in store this month!