Skip to main content
search
Program Highlights

Summer 2024 Newsletter

By August 6, 2024No Comments

SUMMER 2024

Thank you for your interest in our Summer 2024 newsletter. Click here to subscribe for future e-mail communications from MATTERS.

Vending Machine Program Expansion

We’re excited to announce the expansion of our Harm Reduction Vending Machine program! We plan to deploy additional machines in strategic, high-need communities across New York State. MATTERS is actively seeking partners to host and manage vending machines.

Image of a blue vending machine. Stickers on the vending machine contain text: FREE SUPPLIES. To dispense items enter 8377. 765-MATTERS. Vending machine contains boxes of naloxone and fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
Contact us to host a vending machine

NEW RESEARCH PUBLISHED

Our team recently had two new articles accepted into the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment and Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation.

Find the full articles on our website.

Access research publication
Image of a map of New York State with various icons across the map.

REFERRAL WALK-THROUGH

MATTERS has developed a new video to walk partners through our referral process and services offered.

Watch the full video to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Watch onboarding video

NEW YORK STATE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING CONFERENCE

New York, NY

Members of our Harm Reduction and Outreach teams participated in a panel discussion at the New York State Supportive Housing Network Conference in June 2024.

Contact us to participate in your next event!

More about MATTERS
Two people sitting at a table smiling.

Harm Reduction Highlights

Image of fentanyl and xylazine test strips stacked on top of one another.

TEST STRIP DISTRIBUTION

MATTERS has distributed nearly 20 MILLION test strips to individuals and organizations across New York State!

Thank you to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for making this service possible.

Order free test strips

COMING SOON: SYRINGE SERVICES

MATTERS was recently approved as a New York State Syringe Service Program! We’re excited to offer sterile syringes to our network partners as a harm reduction strategy.

Keep an eye out for more news and updates on this service. Find statewide resources for sterile syringes on our website.

Find harm reduction supplies
Image of many syringes
Boxes of naloxone, commonly referred to as brand name Narcan, in a vending machine.

NEW OPIOID OVERDOSE RESPONSE VIDEO

MATTERS has developed a new video to help educate communities on how to identify symptoms and respond to an opioid overdose.

Watch the full video online or schedule a group training on our website.

Access the full video

News & Media

Dangers of Nitazenes

Nitazenes are a class of synthetic opioids that are typically more potent than fentanyl.

Read more

Western NY Overdose Spike

MATTERS joined local news teams to discuss the recent overdose spike in Western New York.

Read more

Medetomidine in New York

The New York State Department of Health issues a press release on the risks of medetomidine.

Read more

Meet Our Team

Martie Ritz

Role: Outreach Coordinator – Mid-Hudson and Souther Tier

Hometown: Apalachin, NY

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program?

The focus on easy accessibility, and ease of use for anyone, without judgement

Favorite place to visit in New York?

Lake Eaton, just outside Long Lake, NY!

Thank you to our 28 new partners for joining the MATTERS referral platform since our last newsletter!

Click here to join the network.

Close Menu