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.
BMS Foundation presented a ceremonial check to Zufall Health. Left to right: Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (R-25); Zufall Health Family Medicine Physician Michael Ganon, DO; BMS Foundation Senior Director Adrienne Gonzalez, Esq.; Zufall Health President and CEO Fran Palm; Zufall Health SVP of Medical Services Douglas Bishop, MD.
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.
Zufall Health is a NJ state-licensed, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, federally qualified health center that provides access to high-quality, affordable medical, dental, and behavioral care for people and communities who face barriers to care. Zufall also offers enabling services including eligibility assistance, case management, transportation, health literacy training, outreach, and translation.
