Bridges Healthcare Expands Operating Hours Of MATT’s Van

Press release from Bridges:

Feb. 16, 2022

Bridges Healthcare, Inc. is expanding the street-side operating hours of MATT’s Van, thanks to funding provided by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

New weekend street-side hours include Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. MATT’s Van will now be available by text message most of the weekend.

MATT’s VAN, Bridges’ Mobile Addiction Treatment Team unit, reduces barriers to treatment for those experiencing opiate use disorder by offering street-side assistance without having to wait sometimes weeks for an appointment with a clinician. Clients are seen immediately by a recovery coach and prescriber, and can receive prescriptions for Buprenorphine, a medication that reduces opiate cravings and relapse. Clients also have direct access to a recovery coach seven days a week, free Narcan overdose reversal kits, fentanyl testing strips, and a referral to a treatment center like Bridges.

Treatment is free and does not require insurance, but individuals must be over the age of 18 years.
" The opioid crises has been highly amplified, with increased use and deaths throughout the COVID pandemic,” said Bridges’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tara Kerner. “Our goal is to save lives by offering fast access to treatment, which is key to improving outcomes.

"Bridges Healthcare has seen the toll the pandemic has taken on our community,” said President and CEO, Jennifer Fiorillo, MPH, MBA. "This new funding allows us to treat more people in the community, so they can start their journey towards recovery."

To speak to a recovery coach call or text 203-494-5811. The full schedule of MATT’s Van locations and timing is available at https://www.bridgesct.org/webs...

This press release was produced by Bridges. The views expressed here are the author's own.