MATTERS

Need support? Watch this quick guide on how to schedule a telemedicine appointment for substance use care on our website, with same-day appointments available. Visit mattersnetwork.org/treatment to schedule an appointment today.

This week is National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week. It's an opportunity to learn more about substance use, challenge misconceptions, and continue important conversations. ➡️ Swipe to see the facts.

Substance use looks different for everyone. Movement along the continuum is not automatic, and support should meet people where they are. Harm reduction starts with understanding. To learn more about substance use and harm reduction, visit: mattersnetwork.org/trainings

Access to safety should be simple. MATTERS provides free fentanyl and xylazine test strips by mail across New York State, delivered directly to you at no cost. Order yours today: mattersnetwork.org/supplies

Patient Safety Week reminds us that safety includes overdose prevention. Having a safety plan can make all the difference. Small steps can reduce risk and save a life. Save the Never Use Alone Hotline: 800-484-3731. Learn more at mattersnetwork.org/gethelp

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. The publication includes contributions from MATTERS team members, Shelby Arena, Mia Dickinson, Dr. Joshua Lynch, and Dr. Brian Clemency. Full article: 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-servic…

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 find other vending machine locations, visit mattersnetwork.org/mattersnetwork….

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!