Needle Exchange Treatment Initiative
Through funding legislated through the Bloodborne Disease Harm Reduction Act, The Division of Addiction Services (DAS) has developed the Medication Assisted Treatment Initiative (MATI). This initiative funds medication assisted treatment for indigent New Jersey residents with an opiate addiction, while also offering outreach, office-based services and case management, as well as the opportunity supportive housing, sub-acute enhanced medically managed detoxification, vouchers for other treatment services, and an evaluation of the project.
DAS has expanded medication assisted treatment statewide through the use of five (5) Mobile Medication Units and one office-based program. The MATI-contract providers offer methadone maintenance, Suboxone detoxification, induction and maintenance and corresponding office-based services six days per week to intravenous drug users. The mobile medication units and office-based programs prioritize the provision of pharmacological treatment for individuals referred by Syringe Exchange Programs and in cities and towns that have no access and/or limited access to methadone and Suboxone treatment.
In order for clients to attain services through the MATI, individuals must meet requirements set-forth in both the MATI Eligibility Criteria and DAS Income Eligibility Policy. If a client requires another level of care or support services not provided via the mobile unit or office-based program, the client may be eligible for a MATI voucher, which would enable a client to receive services through a MATI Network Provider.
The MATI includes a pilot housing program modeled on Housing First. The Supportive Housing program will provide supportive housing services for 62 people (31 in both Atlantic and Camden Counties) with substance abuse problems who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and includes rental subsidies and support services. Through an RFP process, two agencies were contracted in SFY 2008 to begin providing these services.
Ten sub-acute enhanced medically managed detoxification beds were developed via an RFP in SFY 2008. Two providers were awarded contracts and have developed these beds with priority use for intravenous drug users involved in the needle exchange pilot project.
Click here to view the DAS MATI Bi-Annual Reports submitted to the Governor and Legislature.
MATI Contact Information:
Jude U. Iheoma, Ph.D.
MATI Project Director
State Opiod Treatment Authority
120. S. Stockton Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-3326
Jude.Iheoma@dhs.state.nj.us
Adam C. Bucon, LSW
MATI Project Coordinator
120. S. Stockton Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-3316
Adam.bucon@dhs.state.nj.us
