MATTERS

On Black Balloon Day, we remember those we have lost to overdose and stand with the families and communities impacted.

We honor their lives by continuing to expand access to harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support.

For resources, visit: mattersnetwork.org

A new JPHMP article explores the implementation of harm reduction vending machines and their early impact.

The publication includes contributions from MATTERS team members, Shelby Arena, Mia Dickinson, Dr. Joshua Lynch, and Dr. Brian Clemency.

Full article: www.mattersnetwork.org/research

This Women's History Month, we recognize the strength and resilience of women.

All women deserve accessible, stigma-free care that meets them where they are throughout every stage of life.

Need help paying for buprenorphine (Suboxone)? You may qualify for financial support through New York State's BUPE-AP program.

Call 765-628-8377 or visit mattersnetwork.org/bupe-ap to learn more and see if you qualify.

Virtual care that meets people where they are.

Same-day appointments, secure visits, and multilingual support paired with wraparound services to reduce barriers to treatment.

Visit mattersnetwork.org/help to get connected.

MATTERS brings together experts across medicine, behavioral health, public health, and more to support people at every step.

Learn more about our team at: mattersnetwork.org/who-we-are

Support for HIV and Hepatitis C, all in one place.

Find testing centers near you, treatment options, and trusted resources when you need them.

Learn more at mattersnetwork.org/hiv

Implementation Manager Phil McNamara spent time in New Jersey meeting with the team to support MATTERS' expansion efforts. We're excited to continue building this work across New Jersey.

To learn more about the available resources in New Jersey, visit: mattersnetwork.org/nj

We are very excited to introduce our new Support Services Coordinator, Marta Moore.

Hometown? Buffalo, NY

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The team has been very welcoming and supportive.

Favorite place to visit in New York State? Griffis Sculpture Park 🌲

Real life looks different for everyone, and access should reflect that. Our referral platform is designed to reduce barriers and adapt to individual needs at every step.

Learn more about how our referral platform is built around real-life needs at: mattersnetwork.org/treatment

Jenni Thurston, MSW, our Harm Reduction Coordinator, has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure MATTERS’ Syringe Service Program participants receive supplies in a timely manner.

Learn more about our program and explore education at: mattersnetwork.org/syringe-s...

This February, we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month and honor the lasting legacy of the Black community.

Through resilience and leadership, this legacy has advanced meaningful progress toward equity and access, shaping our communities and the work we do today.

Long Island residents can access lifesaving harm reduction supplies in Port Jefferson.

Managed by Hope House Ministries, this vending machine offers free naloxone and drug test strips to support safer substance use.

To find other vending machine locations, visit mattersnetwork.org/mattersne....

Last week, our team gathered in Buffalo for collaboration and strategic planning for 2026!

It was great to reconnect in person and spend time together at the UBMD Emergency Medicine holiday party.

2025 was a milestone year for MATTERS.

Our year in review highlights what's possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to meeting people where they are.

We are excited to continue this work in 2026!

Our newest article, written by MATTERS team members Lucy Connery, MPH, and Brooke Langella, MPH, breaks down the current research and explores what may come next for GLP-1s in addiction care.

Read more: mattersnetwork.org/glp-1s-an...

Last week, MATTERS attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for BestSelf Behavioral Health's new BestResponse Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center.

We're proud to partner with BestSelf and support increased access to care in the region.

Over just three months, referrals through the MATTERS Referral Platform© increased by about 17%, helping more people access opioid use disorder treatment and support.

Join a network of partners working together to strengthen pathways to care across the county: mattersnetwork.org/join-the-...

We know that transportation can be a barrier to accessing care.

That’s why we’re excited to expand our transportation assistance program, offering up to three free, private, round-trip rides to individuals referred through MATTERS.

Learn more at: mattersnetwork.org/vouchers/...

As winter continues, naloxone can freeze, especially if it's stored in a car.

Frozen naloxone may not spray properly. If someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.

Stay prepared, and get free naloxone on our website: mattersnetwork.org/naloxone

Care starts with a link.

Access virtual care for opioid use disorder from trusted New York providers with fewer obstacles and more personalized supports.

Download the MATTERS app or call 765-628-8377 to get started.

Access free, downloadable educational materials focused on substance use and harm reduction. Built for partners and community members.

Explore and download at mattersnetwork.org/edu

Advocate Burnout Social justice workers, human rights advocates, and political activists are at a heightened risk of burnout. Learn more about burnout...

MATTERS team member Matt Fitzsimmons dives into the reality of advocate burnout, what it is, why it happens, and tools to navigate it.

Read the full article to learn more at mattersnetwork.org/advocate-...

We are very excited to introduce our new Southern New Jersey Outreach Coordinator, Jenny Gerace.

Hometown? Glendora, NJ

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The continuous outreach and bringing together of numerous resources for individuals and partners.

Who can order drug test strips? Individuals and organizations across New York State are able to request free drug test strips to support harm reduction and community safety.

Order here: mattersnetwork.org/supplies.

New Year, New Region, New Jersey. We're excited to bring MATTERS to Camden County!

We're grateful to NJDOH for their partnership as we work together to reach communities statewide.

Visit mattersnetwork.org/new-jerse... for resources as MATTERS in New Jersey continues to grow.

Happy Holidays from MATTERS!

We're thankful for our incredible staff and community stakeholders who work to make our mission possible.

If you or someone you know needs support, you're not alone. We're here for you this holiday season and always.

Learn more or get connected: mattersnetwork.org

Even when the weather keeps you home, your recovery doesn’t have to wait.

Start treatment and get supportive services for opioid use disorder through telemedicine — wherever you feel most comfortable.

Call 765-628-8377 to get started today.

Did you know that Glens Falls, NY, has a harm reduction vending machine?

Located at Hope and Healing Recovery Center and managed by Council for Prevention, it offers free naloxone and drug test strips.

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

Getting to an appointment shouldn't be a barrier to care.

That's why we partner with several transportation providers across New York to offer free transportation for individuals who receive a MATTERS referral.

To learn more, visit: mattersnetwork.org/vouchers/...