Program Overview

Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals (MATTERS) was developed in 2016 by emergency medicine physician Dr. Joshua Lynch in collaboration with UBMD Emergency Medicine. MATTERS was created to improve access to treatment for opioid and substance use disorders out of the emergency department. After demonstrating applicability to other settings, MATTERS has expanded to submit referrals from inpatient units, medical offices, first responders, law enforcement, correctional facilities, and community-based organizations. Thank you for visiting our website! Explore our services and resources below.

MATTERS facilitates rapid referrals to outpatient treatment for opioid and substance use disorders. Referrals are submitted online 24/7, 365 days a year by participating referral sites.

Map of the MATTERS Network referral site with a 'play video' icon in the middle. Learn more about MATTERS referral process.

Referral Process

Watch the MATTERS team submit a test referral in less than 5 minutes

Map of the MATTERS Network referral site with a 'play video' icon in the middle. Learn more about MATTERS.

Join the Network

Contact us to start submitting, receiving, or supporting referrals

MATTERS partners with various telemedicine agencies to provide rapid evaluations and linkage to treatment for individuals with substance use disorder. Individuals may also choose to follow up for care virtually at their time of referral.

Connect to Care Virtually

Visit our telemedicine page to make an appointment for a virtual evaluation

Image of MATTERS' Director of Telemedicine with a 'play video' icon in the middle. Learn more about MATTERS telemedicine services.

Video: Telemedicine Guide

Learn what to expect for your first telemedicine evaluation

Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies used to reduce the negative consequences of any health behavior, including drug use. MATTERS’ harm reduction services include the distribution of free supplies, trainings, and vending machines.

Image of one red and one blue test strip, as well as a naloxone nozzle. Learn more about MATTERS harm reduction services.

Supplies via Direct Mail

Order free supplies such as fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and naloxone

Image of cartoon people: one educator is standing in front of three people, pointing to a chalk board. Learn more about MATTERS harm reduction services.

Trainings and Education

Schedule a training with us and explore our various educational materials

Image of a blue harm reduction vending machine, containing drug testing strips and naloxone units. Learn more about MATTERS harm reduction services.

Vending Machines

Rapid access to drug test strips and naloxone - explore our map to find a machine near you

Image of MATTERS' logo with a 'play video' icon in the middle. Learn more about MATTERS' services.

Video: General Presentation

Watch an introductory presentation on our program

Slideshow Presentation

Access a PDF version of our general onboarding presentation as a resource

MATTERS One-Pager

Download and print our program flyer

MATTERS' History

Learn more about where we started and where we are going

How it works

1. Our referral site partners encounter an individual with opioid use disorder.

 

2. MATTERS facilitates a rapid referral, offering medication vouchers, transportation vouchers, and peer referrals to assist individuals in getting to their first clinic appointment.

 

3. Individuals are connected to an outpatient treatment organization of their choice and are seen in as little as 24 hours from their referral!

1
Our referral site partners encounter an individual with a opioid use disorder.
2
MATTERS facilitates a rapid referral, offering medication vouchers, transportation vouchers, and peer support referrals to assist individuals in getting to their first clinic appointment.
3
Individuals are connected to an outpatient clinic appointment of their choice and are seen in as little as 24 hours from their referral!

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.

Data & Outcomes

Visit our research page to explore our data, impact, and program-related outcomes.

We are here to help.

Contact us with any questions or concerns!