Innovative Access to Harm Reduction Support and Linkage to Treatment

AMERSA Talks

Episode 7: Innovative access to harm reduction support and linkage to treatment
Featuring:
Shelby Arena
Harm Reduction Manager, MATTERS
Joshua Lynch, DO, FACEP
Associate Professor of Emergency & Addiction Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, MATTERS

Host:
Shoshana V. Aronowitz, PhD, MSHP, FNP-BC
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The opioid epidemic is ever-changing and with contaminants like fentanyl and xylazine in the drug supply, lethal overdose rates have been increasing yearly. Programs like MATTERS offer multidisciplinary solutions to combat obstacles in accessing harm reduction resources and treatment. MATTERS employs innovative methods such as emergency telemedicine and electronic referrals to outpatient treatment. The emphasis on low-barrier access to supplies and treatment allows MATTERS to provide accessible and stigma free services. Collaboration with various groups ensures effective outreach and advocacy for policy changes to address the needs of people who use drugs with compassion.

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Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement no. 1H79TI086770 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
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