We are now accepting applications for our spring internship program! If you're a graduate student interested in harm reduction and public health communication, we'd love to have you on our team. This internship includes a stipend. Apply at: www.mattersnetwork.org/careers

In Allegheny County, every connection matters. Join the MATTERS referral network to strengthen treatment access and create a support system for those impacted by opioid use disorder. Learn more at: www.mattersnetwork.org

Part two of our three-part series, written by our Harm Reduction Manager, Shelby Arena, explores the "who" of drug checking. Read more: mattersnetwork.org/drug-chec...

We’re thrilled to share that Shelby Arena & Mia Dickinson received the John Nelson Chappell Best Curriculum, Quality Improvement, & Program Abstract Award. Recognized for their innovation in harm reduction, they’ll present during the AMERSA special plenary on Nov. 15.

Need care now? Get virtual evaluations for opioid use disorder from trusted New York providers with fewer barriers and more support. Download the MATTERS app or call 765-628-8377 to begin.

Order free naloxone wall boxes for your workplace, school, or community space. Shipping and a supply of naloxone are included. Visit: www.mattersnetwork.org/naloxone

Happy Halloween! 🎃 Candy panics distract from real public health concerns (University at Albany News, 2022). Your candy is safe, and the rumors are the real scare. Have fun tonight!

Access to #overdose prevention supplies can save lives. Find a harm reduction vending machine in your area to get free naloxone and drug test strips, anytime you need them. Locate one near you: mattersnetwork.org/vm

Our live webinars take place every Tuesday and Thursday. Join our next webinar to learn how to submit rapid referrals, explore our program's features, and get all your questions answered directly by our outreach team. 📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays ⏰ 2:00 pm Register now at zurl.co/vjtB9.

We know that taking the first step toward recovery isn't always easy. That's why we partner with telemedicine providers across New York State to improve access to care and support for opioid use disorder, wherever you are. Call 765-MATTERS (628-8377) to get connected today.

Unregulated tranquilizers like #xylazine and medetomidine are showing up more often in the drug supply, creating new risks for people who use drugs. This guide breaks down what you need to know to stay safe and informed.

Thank you to Mallory Bryant from Horizon Health Services for sharing your experience with the new MATTERS Referral Platform©! We're proud to support your team in improving referral efficiency and patient care.

Get support for opioid use disorder (OUD) without leaving home. Residents of Allegheny County, PA, can access same-day telemedicine evaluations, referrals to treatment, and more. Connect now: www.mattersnetwork.org/pa

We are very excited to introduce our new Harm Reduction Coordinator, Jenni Thurston, MSW. What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The staff shows so much passion for continuing to improve and expand the program's positive impact and reach.

Not sure what nitazenes are? Here are 4 quick facts to help you understand what they are and why it's important to stay informed. Learn more at www.mattersnetwork.org/nitazenes

Our new referral platform makes it easy for individuals referred to treatment to connect with peer support that meets their needs. Learn more or contact us today at 765-MATTERS (628-8377) or visit www.mattersnetwork.org/peer-...

Xylazine was found in 6 out of 10 opioid samples tested in April 2025 (New York State Department of Health Drug Checking Data, 2025). Learn the facts ⬅️ Order free test strips on our website: www.mattersnetwork.org/supplies

We are very excited to introduce our new MATTERS Intern, Matt Fitzsimmons. What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? Seeing the newest and most humanistic philosophies of health care played out in a professional setting has been incredible!

This World Mental Health Day, let's remember that there is no health without mental health. Together we can break barriers, reduce stigma, and ensure care for everyone, especially in times of crisis. Explore our new mental health resources page for support: www.mattersnetwork.org/mental-health

Managed by Hope House Ministries, the vending machine provides free naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use. To find other vending machine locations, visit www.mattersnetwork.org/vending-machines/.

If you're part of our Syringe Service Program, you can order free injection supplies once a month. Not enrolled or need to reorder? Visit: www.mattersnetwork.org/order...

It was great having our remote team back in the Buffalo office! We also had the unique opportunity to go aboard the Edward M. Cotter, the oldest active fireboat in the world. A special thank you to the Buffalo Fire Department for making this experience possible.

Get connected to the New York Buprenorphine Assistance Program (BUPE-AP) through MATTERS for long-term access to medication for addiction treatment. This integration helps individuals take the next step toward ongoing care for SUD. Learn more: mattersnetwork.org/bupe-ap-referral-integration

Last month was filled with community events, conferences, and new connections. We're excited to keep the momentum going and can't wait to share what's in store this month!

October is Substance Use Prevention Month. This month is a reminder that prevention begins with awareness, open conversations, and support. Explore free educational materials and resources: www.mattersnetwork/edu

Looking for support with opioid use disorder? MATTERS, in collaboration with Allegheny County, offers resources and services to help you connect to care. Visit www.mattersnetwork.org or call 765-MATTERS to get connected.

Every number represents a life potentially saved. Through our vending machine initiative, over 99,000 harm reduction supplies have been dispensed, including fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and #naloxone. To find a vending machine near you, visit: www.mattersnetwork/vending-machines

Find out what the chocolate chip cookie effect really means... Just like chocolate chips aren't evenly spread in a cookie, #fentanyl doesn't evenly mix into drug samples. That's why testing your substances every time you use them is so important. Order FREE supplies at www.mattersnetwork.org

As a nonprofit, we realize so many communities around New York already have amazing resources in place. Hear from our Outreach Coordinator, Brigid, on how we bridge gaps to these community-based resources for people who need them. Learn more and join the network: mattersnetwork.org

Our Chief Medical Officer will be presenting at the Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED) this week in Tennessee! If you'll be at #OMED25, come join the session and talk with us about how we can work together to make an impact. Learn more about the event here: www.omed.osteopathic.org

Opioid overdose touches every community. On #NationalOpioidAwarenessDay, we come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those impacted as we work toward solutions. For support and resources visit, www.mattersnetwork.org#NationalOpioidAwarenessDay

Did you know Utica, NY has a harm reduction vending machine? Managed by Helio Health, it offers free naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use. To find other vending machine locations, visit www.mattersnetwork.org/vending-machines/.

We're proud to share that our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joshua Lynch, has been inducted into the 2025 I4SUD Cohort! Thank you to the Innovations for Substance Use Disorder program for including our program in your 2025 Cohort! Learn more: mattersnetwork.org/i4sud-cohort

Don't guess, just test. Knowing what's in your substances can save lives. Free fentanyl test strips are available through our website and mobile app. Visit www.mattersnetwork.org to order yours today!

We know how urgent it is to access help for opioid use disorder. That's why we partner with virtual care providers across Western New York, New York State, and Allegheny County, PA. We connect you to treatment, support, and resources when you need it most. Call now: 765-628-8377

MATTERS is proud to support Pittsburgh's Annual Recovery Walk! Our PA Outreach Manager, Matt Bequeath, will be tabling tomorrow. Stop by to connect with him and learn more about the resources and support we offer. Learn how we support recovery at www.mattersnetwork.org.

Thank you to the #Opioid Response Network (ORN) and the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine for inviting our Chief Medical Officer to present as a part of your Summer 2025 series! Watch Dr. Lynch's presentation and learn more: education.aoaam.org/Public/Login...

Understand the effects of xylazine and protect yourself by checking your supply with test strips. You can order free test strips at www.mattersnetwork.org/supplies.

Streamline the way you make referrals. With the new MATTERS Referral Platform©, connecting individuals to treatment for opioid use disorder has never been faster. Join the network and begin making referrals today: www.mattersnetwork.org

Members of the MATTERS leadership team will be in Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Addiction Medicine Advocacy Conference on September 15–16! They will be advocating for legislation that supports individuals affected by substance use disorder. We look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations.

It's been a month since our new referral platform went live! Join our next webinar to learn how to submit rapid referrals, explore our program's features, and get all your questions answered directly from our outreach team. Register now at www.mattersnetwork.org/webinars/.

Did you know Warsaw, NY has a harm reduction vending machine? Managed by Peers Together of Wyoming County, it offers free naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl test strips, and xylazine test strips to support safer substance use. Learn more: www.mattersnetwork.org/vending-machines.

We are excited to share that some of our team members will be at the 2nd Annual InUnity Conference! Connect with MATTERS staff at our booth, or join us for our session, AI and SUD: Understanding Machine Learning, Assumptions, and the Human Influence at 11am on September 8th.

9/10/2025 is the virtual New York State Overdose Awareness Day to honor those lost to overdose and raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote harm reduction. Register at: www.eventbrite.com/e/fifth-annual-new-york-state-overdose-awareness-day-tickets-1365755063159?aff=oddtdtcreator

Curious what MATTERS has been up to lately? From community events to educational outreach, our team is committed to expanding access to resources for substance use disorder. We'd love to attend your next community event. Visit our website to get in touch, www.mattersnetwork.org.

Our Chief Medical Officer will be presenting at the American College of Emergency Physicians' Annual Scientific Assembly next week in Salt Lake City, Utah. We look forward to connecting with ACEP members and sharing MATTERS as a scalable solution for addressing substance use disorder.

September is National Recovery Month. This year's theme, Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life), reminds us that recovery looks different for everyone. Explore resources that make recovery possible on our website. Visit: www.mattersnetwork.org

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to overdose, stand with the loved ones left behind, and recognize the strength of those living with substance use disorder. Let's work together to end stigma, raise awareness, and promote harm reduction in our communities.

Free fentanyl and xylazine test strips are available to help prevent overdoses and save lives. Ordering is quick, simple, and completely FREE! Visit www.mattersnetwork.org today to get yours.

With the MATTERS Referral Platform©, individuals can explore treatment organizations and choose the one that best meets their needs. Our referral platform highlights other services each location offers to help individuals make an informed decision about their follow-up care.