The MATTERS Network began as a Buffalo, New York-based electronic referral platform to connect patients to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs). Buffalo MATTERs served to establish prescribing guidelines for physicians and advanced practice providers opioid use disorder in Western New York. Our electronic referral platform efficiently refers patients with opioid use disorder from emergency departments, OB/GYN offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, etc. to community-based clinics.
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Mission, Vision & Values
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.
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.
- Will educate their providers on screening and diagnosing substance use disorder and mental health illness.
- Will prescribe MAT for patients when appropriate based current guidelines.
- Will not automatically disqualify patients from receiving MAT if they engage in polysubstance abuse (especially benzodiazepines and/or alcohol).
- Will refer patients to the most appropriate treatment possible based on their unique needs.
- Will inform patients of the referral program’s expectations.
- Will continuously evaluate this program and share lessons learned with others.
- Will accept and work with patients regardless of insurance status.
- Will provide care that is culturally appropriate for the target population of patients with substance use disorder.
- Will provide feedback to referring providers regarding the disposition of referred patients to improve processes.
- Will provide feedback on patient treatment retention.
- Will accept referred patients previously discharged from a treatment program.
- Will accept patients who have not been prescribed buprenorphine or other forms of MAT in the past.
- Will offer timely appointments to patients referred from all referral environments.
- Will not automatically disqualify patients from receiving medication assisted treatment if they engage in polysubstance use.
- Will not place undue financial burden on the patient.
What We Do

How It Works
