August Is Overdose Awareness Month: Prevent Overdose, Promote Compassion, Connect Individuals to Care
8/11/2026
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Posted by Provider Relations
Every August, communities across the nation recognize Overdose Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about substance use disorders (SUD), reduce stigma, remember lives lost to overdose, and connect individuals to life-saving treatment and support services. Overdose prevention is a shared responsibility, and healthcare providers play a critical role in identifying individuals at risk, providing education, and facilitating access to care.
The Importance of Provider Engagement
Healthcare professionals are often among the first to recognize signs of a substance use disorder. Early intervention, compassionate conversations, and timely referrals can help individuals access treatment before a crisis occurs. Providers can also help normalize discussions about substance use, promote harm reduction strategies, and educate patients and families about overdose prevention resources.
Connecting Members to Care Through MATTERS
The Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referral System (MATTERS) Network helps streamline access to treatment and recovery resources for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders. Through rapid referrals, individuals can be connected to outpatient medication for addiction treatment and supportive services.
Key benefits of the MATTERS Network include:
- Rapid referral pathways to medication for addiction treatment
- Online referral capabilities available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Access to supportive services that may include telemedicine, peer support, transportation assistance, harm reduction supplies, follow-up services, and medication vouchers.
MATTERS supports Fidelis Care members ages 13 and older who are seeking treatment, harm-reduction services, peer support, or other SUD-related resources.
Opportunities for Providers
Organizations can strengthen their community response to overdose by participating in the MATTERS Network. Providers and community organizations may join as referral sites, treatment providers, peer support agencies, pharmacies, telemedicine programs, or community partners.
To become a MATTERS referral partner:
- Register through the MATTERS Network.
- Contact MATTERS at info@mattersnetwork.org or 765-628-8377 for additional information.
- Obtain a site-specific access code to begin submitting rapid referrals.
Call to Action: Actions Providers Can Take This Month
In recognition of Overdose Awareness Month, providers are encouraged to:
- Display overdose awareness materials in waiting rooms and patient areas.
- Educate staff on naloxone access and overdose response.
- Incorporate substance use screening into routine care.
- Share information about the MATTERS Network with patients and families.
- Consider joining the MATTERS Network as a referral partner.
- Model person-first, recovery-oriented language in all patient interactions.
Recovery Is Possible
Recovery is possible, and treatment works. By promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals to evidence-based treatment and support services, providers can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. A single conversation, referral, or warm handoff may be the first step toward recovery.
Resources
- Fidelis Care
1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), TTY: 711
fideliscare.org/Contact-Us - MATTERS Network
mattersnetwork.org
info@mattersnetwork.org
765-628-8377