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Zufall Health expands capacity for treating substance use disorders system-wide, integrated recovery services facilitate access and mitigate stigma for vulnerable patients

System-wide, integrated recovery services facilitate access and mitigate stigma for vulnerable patients

NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – Nonprofit community health center Zufall Health marked National Recovery Month by announcing the expansion of its Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program to community leaders and health care professionals.

MAT, the gold standard for treating opioid and alcohol use disorders, combines medication with counseling and behavioral health support. Thanks to a two-year, $300,000 New Jersey Safety Net Innovation Program (NJSNIP) grant awarded in late 2023, MAT services are now available at every Zufall medical site, supported by a dedicated MAT team.

President and CEO Fran Palm emphasized that while Zufall has provided MAT services for several years, the infrastructure to sustain coordinated, comprehensive care was previously lacking.

“The NJSNIP grant allowed us to fully integrate a robust MAT program into our primary care system,” Palm explained. “This brings lifesaving treatment to patients within their own communities and reinforces the message that substance use disorders should be treated like any other chronic condition by your primary care physician.”

One of the program’s patients, Donovan, was among those present at the announcement event. He said he is grateful for the care provided by Zufall Family Medicine Physician Michael Ganon, DO.

“Dr. Ganon is genuine and down-to-earth. He explained how MAT changes my brain chemistry to reduce cravings. That explanation and his continued support have given me so much hope—and saved my life. I can now be there for my daughter, and I’ve gotten my job back, too.”

NJSNIP is funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization, and managed by the Camden Coalition. The program strengthens New Jersey’s health care safety net and promotes health equity by offering flexible funding to address community and strategic capacity-building needs.

“Zufall Health’s MAT program has been a beacon of hope for people suffering from opioid and alcohol use disorders, and we are thrilled that more patients will benefit from their exceptional services through this grant from NJ SNIP,” said Catharine Grimes, President of the BMS Foundation. “NJ SNIP empowers community-based organizations equipped to help medically underserved populations and we are proud to provide funding for these unique and impactful programs.”

In the first two years of the expanded MAT services, Zufall Health plans to serve 225 patients—an increase of over 50 percent—while providing enhanced support for each patient.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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