MATTERS
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mattersnetwork.bsky.social
MATTERS
@mattersnetwork.bsky.social
Linking individuals with substance use disorders to stigma-free treatment and resources within their own community. HQ in Buffalo, available across New York State and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

www.mattersnetwork.org
Support for HIV and Hepatitis C, all in one place.

Find testing centers near you, treatment options, and trusted resources when you need them.

Learn more at mattersnetwork.org/hiv
February 11, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Implementation Manager Phil McNamara spent time in New Jersey meeting with the team to support MATTERS' expansion efforts. We're excited to continue building this work across New Jersey.

To learn more about the available resources in New Jersey, visit: mattersnetwork.org/nj
February 10, 2026 at 2:04 PM
We are very excited to introduce our new Support Services Coordinator, Marta Moore.

Hometown? Buffalo, NY

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The team has been very welcoming and supportive.

Favorite place to visit in New York State? Griffis Sculpture Park 🌲
February 9, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Real life looks different for everyone, and access should reflect that. Our referral platform is designed to reduce barriers and adapt to individual needs at every step.

Learn more about how our referral platform is built around real-life needs at: mattersnetwork.org/treatment
February 6, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Jenni Thurston, MSW, our Harm Reduction Coordinator, has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure MATTERS’ Syringe Service Program participants receive supplies in a timely manner.

Learn more about our program and explore education at: mattersnetwork.org/syringe-s...
February 5, 2026 at 5:43 PM
This February, we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month and honor the lasting legacy of the Black community.

Through resilience and leadership, this legacy has advanced meaningful progress toward equity and access, shaping our communities and the work we do today.
February 4, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Long Island residents can access lifesaving harm reduction supplies in Port Jefferson.

Managed by Hope House Ministries, this vending machine offers free naloxone and drug test strips to support safer substance use.

To find other vending machine locations, visit mattersnetwork.org/mattersne....
February 3, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Last week, our team gathered in Buffalo for collaboration and strategic planning for 2026!

It was great to reconnect in person and spend time together at the UBMD Emergency Medicine holiday party.
February 2, 2026 at 4:15 PM
2025 was a milestone year for MATTERS.

Our year in review highlights what's possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to meeting people where they are.

We are excited to continue this work in 2026!
January 30, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Our newest article, written by MATTERS team members Lucy Connery, MPH, and Brooke Langella, MPH, breaks down the current research and explores what may come next for GLP-1s in addiction care.

Read more: mattersnetwork.org/glp-1s-an...
January 29, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Last week, MATTERS attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for BestSelf Behavioral Health's new BestResponse Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center.

We're proud to partner with BestSelf and support increased access to care in the region.
January 28, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Over just three months, referrals through the MATTERS Referral Platform© increased by about 17%, helping more people access opioid use disorder treatment and support.

Join a network of partners working together to strengthen pathways to care across the county: mattersnetwork.org/join-the-...
January 27, 2026 at 2:17 PM
We know that transportation can be a barrier to accessing care.

That’s why we’re excited to expand our transportation assistance program, offering up to three free, private, round-trip rides to individuals referred through MATTERS.

Learn more at: mattersnetwork.org/vouchers/...
January 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM
As winter continues, naloxone can freeze, especially if it's stored in a car.

Frozen naloxone may not spray properly. If someone is overdosing, call 911 immediately.

Stay prepared, and get free naloxone on our website: mattersnetwork.org/naloxone
January 21, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Care starts with a link.

Access virtual care for opioid use disorder from trusted New York providers with fewer obstacles and more personalized supports.

Download the MATTERS app or call 765-628-8377 to get started.
January 20, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Access free, downloadable educational materials focused on substance use and harm reduction. Built for partners and community members.

Explore and download at mattersnetwork.org/edu
January 15, 2026 at 1:31 PM
MATTERS team member Matt Fitzsimmons dives into the reality of advocate burnout, what it is, why it happens, and tools to navigate it.

Read the full article to learn more at mattersnetwork.org/advocate-...
Advocate Burnout
Social justice workers, human rights advocates, and political activists are at a heightened risk of burnout. Learn more about burnout...
mattersnetwork.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:29 PM
We are very excited to introduce our new Southern New Jersey Outreach Coordinator, Jenny Gerace.

Hometown? Glendora, NJ

What is your favorite aspect of the MATTERS program? The continuous outreach and bringing together of numerous resources for individuals and partners.
January 12, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Who can order drug test strips? Individuals and organizations across New York State are able to request free drug test strips to support harm reduction and community safety.

Order here: mattersnetwork.org/supplies.
January 6, 2026 at 2:47 PM
New Year, New Region, New Jersey. We're excited to bring MATTERS to Camden County!

We're grateful to NJDOH for their partnership as we work together to reach communities statewide.

Visit mattersnetwork.org/new-jerse... for resources as MATTERS in New Jersey continues to grow.
January 2, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Happy Holidays from MATTERS!

We're thankful for our incredible staff and community stakeholders who work to make our mission possible.

If you or someone you know needs support, you're not alone. We're here for you this holiday season and always.

Learn more or get connected: mattersnetwork.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Even when the weather keeps you home, your recovery doesn’t have to wait.

Start treatment and get supportive services for opioid use disorder through telemedicine — wherever you feel most comfortable.

Call 765-628-8377 to get started today.
December 19, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Did you know that Glens Falls, NY, has a harm reduction vending machine?

Located at Hope and Healing Recovery Center and managed by Council for Prevention, it offers free naloxone and drug test strips.

To find other vending machine locations, visit www.mattersnetwork.org/vendi...
December 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Getting to an appointment shouldn't be a barrier to care.

That's why we partner with several transportation providers across New York to offer free transportation for individuals who receive a MATTERS referral.

To learn more, visit: mattersnetwork.org/vouchers/...
December 17, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Understanding syringe sizes is important for safer and informed use.

This guide breaks down needle length, gauge, and syringe size to help you choose the right equipment.

For more information about our Syringe Services Program, visit zurl.co/HPJI7
December 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM