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Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

To provide every person living with substance use and mental health disorders multiple pathways to treatment and resources within their own community by creating an extensive network focused on improving access and eliminating financial, geographical, and social barriers.

Vision

For MATTERS to be utilized across the United States as a way to reduce morbidity and mortality rates for people living with substance use and mental health disorders by linking them to stigma-free treatment and resources so that no matter what stage of readiness they are in, help is always available.

Values

We value

      We will always

About MATTERS Values. We value meaningful connections - we will always link people to a variety of services and resources so no matter what step they are ready to take, the right one is always available. We value advocacy; we will always speak up, support, and defend those who need help. We value trust; we will always be an honest and reliable source. We value tenacity; we will always be determined to reach the unreachable and overcome obstacles. We value education and empowerment; we will always make prevention and treatment information readily available so that those who choose to take action can do so with knowledge and understanding. We value reach and responsiveness; we will always continue to build an extensive network with efficient referral processes in order to get help to those who need it when they need it, without delay. We value stigma-free services and support; we will always provide an environment that is free from stigma and judgment, inclusive and respectful of all.

Our Services

Learn more about how we help link people who use drugs (PWUD) to treatment and resources.

Infographic of various services offered by the MATTERS Network. Referral platform, harm reduction supplies, telemedicine referrals, transportation vouchers, medication vouchers.

Referral Platform

Our rapid referral platform links people with opioid use disorder to an outpatient treatment organization of their choice in 3-5 minutes.

Harm Reduction Supplies

MATTERS distributes free harm reduction supplies such as drug testing trips and naloxone via direct mail and vending machines.

Telemedicine Referrals

We partner to offer virtual evaluations for substance use disorder. Individuals can also choose to follow up with a fully virtual treatment organization at their time of referral.

Transportation Vouchers

All individuals who are referred through MATTERS are offered a free, round-trip ride for their first clinic appointment.

Medication Vouchers

Individuals with Medicaid or No Insurance are automatically issued a voucher to cover the cost of up-to 14 days of any combination buprenorphine/naloxone prescription.

Referral Platform – Our rapid referral platform links people with opioid use disorder to an outpatient treatment organization of their choice in 3-5 minutes.

Harm Reduction Supplies – MATTERS distributes free harm reduction supplies such as drug testing trips and naloxone via direct mail and vending machines.

Telemedicine Referrals – To reduce barriers to treatment, MATTERS offers virtual evaluations for substance use disorder. Individuals can also choose to follow up with a fully virtual treatment organization at their time of referral.

Transportation Vouchers – All individuals who are referred through MATTERS are offered a free, round-trip ride for their first clinic appointment.

Medication Vouchers – Individuals with Medicaid or No Insurance are automatically issued a voucher to cover the cost of up-to 14 days of any combination buprenorphine/naloxone prescription.

A Year in Review

MATTERS releases an annual Year in Review report to update our stakeholders on our efforts to address opioid use disorder. See our one-page summary below or click here to read a detailed report.

MATTERS' 2023 Year in Review report. 9 harm reduction vending machines were deployed across New York State; there was a 10x increase in the number of referrals that came from correctional settings. Over 1,300 referrals were submitted in 2023, and 55% of those referrals were from through telemedicine. 90% of all patients referred were issued a medication vocher toc over the cost of up-to 14 days of buprenorphine. 83% of all patients referred received a bridge prescription at their time of referral. Patients can choose from over 2,200 weekly appointment slots available to them, offered by a variety of different treatment organizations. MATTERS onboarded 130+ new referral partners in 2023. The team facilitated over 55 harm reduction trainings. MATTERS distributed over 2,100 units of naloxone (each containing two doses). MATTERS also distributed over 6.7 million fentanyl and xylazine test strips across New York State.

Learn More

Explore our historical documents, hand-outs, and slideshow presentations below

MATTERS One-Page Explainer

Click on this image to access our one-page summary on the MATTERS program.

Flyer with the MATTERS logo, images, and text. MATTERS: Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals. What is it? The MATTERS Network is a collection of resources to initiate care, increase access to medication, and efficiently link individuals to appropriate treatment - all without making a single phone call. It utilizes a rapid referral platform to efficiently refer individuals with opioid use disorder to community-based, high-quality treatment organizations. Where is it? [next to an image of New York State] 290+ referral sites, 250+ clinics, 1,000+ pharmacies. Key components: Medication Voucher Program Vouchers cover up to 14-days of a buprenorphine/naloxone prescription for uninsured individuals. MATTERS participates with major pharmacies across NYS including various independently owned locations. Transportation Voucher Program Individuals are now offered transportation to and from their first clinic appointment through a partnership with Uber Health. Harm Reduction Services MATTERS distributes free harm reduction supplies to individuals and organizations across NYS, including fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and naloxone. MATTERS additionally deploys harm reduction vending machines to bring these supplies directly to the communities that need them. Peer Referral Individuals also have the option to be linked with a local peer service for support. Person-Centered Approach The MATTERS referral process is completed electronically in collaboration with the individual, allowing the person being referred to take ownership of their own referral. Individuals choose to seek treatment at any MATTERS participating treatment organization. Connect with us: mattersnetwork.org. Download the mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play

MATTERS History

Click on this image to read more about where we started and where we’re heading.

Standards & Expectations

Click on this image to view our standards and expectations for referral network partners.

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