Zufall Health, a nonprofit that provides primary care and supportive services to low-income residents across the state, is expanding medically assisted treatment, or MAT — an evidence-based approach that treats alcohol and opioid use disorders by combining medication with counseling and behavioral health support.
The approach uses medications to normalize brain chemistry and bodily functions, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and lessen cravings to help people maintain recovery from substance use disorders.
Zufall Health celebrated its expanded MAT services at its Newton location Wednesday. The expanded services were made possible by a $300,000, two-year grant through Bristol Myers Squibb’s New Jersey Safety Net Innovation Program, which started last year.
Fran Palm, president and CEO of Zufall, said the goal is for someone who may be receiving a checkup to also feel comfortable talking to a doctor about their addiction.
