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Statewide Decrease in Overdose Deaths

By May 21, 2025No Comments

Thank you to Jaurdyn Johnson with Channel 7 News for including Dr. Joshua Lynch and the MATTERS program in the discussion on the recent decrease in overdose deaths. Read on to learn more, or click on the button below to access WKBW’s coverage.

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External News: ‘Very reassuring’: New data shows statewide decrease in overdose deaths

By: Jaurdyn Johnson – WKBW

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Health Department data shows a 32% decrease in drug-related deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year, translating to approximately 2,000 people. State officials credit the decline to increased availability of free testing kits and Narcan.

“It’s very reassuring,” Joshua Lynch, Chief Medical Officer with MATTERS Network, said. Lynch is optimistic about the new data and emphasized the importance of investing in programs that allow access to treatment and provide stigma-free resources.

“Those programs need to continue to be invested in so that those who aren’t ready to access treatment can use safer,” Lynch said. “The threat of federal funding removal or decrease would have a huge impact and inevitably cost lives.”

Click here to access the full article on WKBW’s website.

MATTERS is proud to serve as a resource to combat the opioid overdose epidemic. Individuals and organizations across New York State can access free naloxone (Narcan) and drug test strips via direct mail and vending machines through the MATTERS program. Individuals can also apply to receive sterile syringes and other safe injection supplies through MATTERS’ syringe service program – a mail-based initiative available across New York. MATTERS additionally provides free in-person or virtual harm reduction trainings to empower community members to respond in the event of an overdose. These harm reduction services can help to prevent overdoses across New York State and save lives.

Additionally, MATTERS links people with substance use disorder to treatment by partnering with various referral sites and treatment organizations across New York State. Individuals seeking treatment can connect to a virtual provider in as little as one hour for a rapid evaluation, medication prescription (as applicable), and referral to treatment. These services are available from 11 am-11 pm every day in New York State and 24/7 in Western New York. MATTERS recently expanded its telemedicine services to Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; these services are available 5 pm-11 pm on weeknights and 11 am-11 pm on weekends.

Thank you to WKBW for including MATTERS in the discussion on the decrease in overdose deaths across New York State. Learn more about our program here.

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