MATTERS (Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals)
The Hospitals and Emergency Departments committee started to increase access to medication for opioid use disorders (MOUDs) for patients in emergency departments. The committee continues efforts to expand access to medication and reduce barriers by providing multiple pathways to treatment.
Programs and Projects
Referrals for Medication for Opioid Use Disorders
- Referral site partners encounter an individual with opioid use disorder.
- MATTERS facilitates rapid referral and offers medication vouchers, transportation vouchers, and peer referrals to support individuals.
- Individuals are connected to treatment organizations which follow up with individuals within 24 hours to confirm appointments.
Medication Voucher Program
Uninsured patients can receive a prescription voucher for 14 days of buprenorphine/naloxone at numerous retail pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Wegmans) and independent pharmacies.
Transportation Voucher Program
MATTERS offers transportation for the first clinic appointment via Uber Health to anyone referred by MATTERS.
Harm Reduction Services
MATTERS gives harm reduction supplies like drug test strips to keep people who use drugs safer and alive. To increase access to harm reduction supplies, people can order fentanyl test strips and xylazine test strips through MATTERS. Resources for getting Narcan are on the MATTERS website too.
In Erie County, harm reduction vending machines are available for quick access to fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and naloxone. These vending machines are free to use and the locations in Erie County are:
Telemedicine
Telemedicine with BestSelf Behavioral Health – 716-463-6222
MATTERS & BestSelf Behavioral Health offer telemedicine to provide rapid access to medication for opioid use disorders. Telemedicine reduces barriers to accessing treatment and allows individuals to be in familiar or comfortable places to receive treatment.
Individuals can call the telemedicine number (716-463-6222) to schedule an appointment with a virtual provider. Coordinators will assess individuals for opioid use disorders during the phone call and then refer them to a treatment organization of their choice through the MATTERS referral system.
Contact
The Hospitals & Emergency Departments (MATTERS) Committee is led by:
Joshua J. Lynch DO, EMT-P, FAAEM, FACEP
Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Phone: 716-626-4004
Email: jjlynch2@buffalo.edu