Now Available in WNY
By Annette Pinder
BestSelf Behavioral Health (BestSelf) has surpassed early goals for its innovative 24/7 Virtual Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) Centers for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. In just three months, the program provided services to more than 50 people. The evidenced-based medication assisted treatment is administered by specially trained practitioners who work on-call to ensure that virtual access to the treatment is always available. MAT Centers are staffed by BestSelf, UBMD Family Medicine’s Division of Addiction Medicine, and UBMD Emergency Medicine Service’s MAT and Emergency Referrals (MATTERs) Program.
Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, president and chief executive officer of BestSelf, says, “This virtual hub is saving lives. We knew this resource was sorely needed in our community and that many in need of treatment were not seeking it through traditional channels. The generous funding and support of Congressman Higgins is vital to our efforts, and we look forward to working with multiple community partners on this project.”
BestSelf received $2,625,000 in funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA) grant program.
“The opioid epidemic has long impacted the Western New York Community, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the challenges that people struggling with addiction face,” says Congressman Brian Higgins. He adds, “This grant funding, provided by SAMHSA was an investment in removing barriers and increasing access to life-saving treatments by reaching those in need where they are in the community. Under the trusted leadership of BestSelf, this program will only continue to further its impact, save lives, and make a difference for many Western New York families.”
Value Network, IPA, LLC, is partnering with BestSelf to operationalize this connection by leveraging its 85 partner agencies across the region. Andrea J. Wanat, chief operating officer, Value Network IPA, states, “Value Network is pleased to work with our WNY Partners on this project and assist with the development of protocols to connect patients who need long-term treatment and recovery programs.”
Joshua Lynch, DO, FACEP, clinical associate professor of emergency medicine, University at Buffalo, says, “The partnership between BestSelf Behavioral Health and the MATTERs Team that provides 24/7 emergency telemedicine evaluations and referrals will absolutely save lives. It will allow patients to be assessed by emergency providers, given a prescription for medication to treat opioid use disorder, and get referred to a clinic of their choosing, all without ever leaving their home.”
“BestSelf’s virtual center opens another pathway for people with substance use disorder, which is a chronic disease of the brain, to access medication assisted treatment,” says Erie County Commissioner of Health, Gale Burstein, M.D. “We welcome BestSelf’s efforts and appreciate federal support from Congressman Higgins’ office in expanding access to MAT in the Western New York region.”
The 24/7 Virtual MAT Center staff will connect clients to long-term recovery supports and substance use disorder treatment providers based on location and client preference. Individuals seeking treatment can call the 24/7 Virtual MAT Center directly without the need for a referral at 716-463-6222.
