By Lineth Fernandez
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -– Broward Health Medical Center was recently awarded $10,000 from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Trust Funds (LETF). The grant will help fund the hospital’s integrated Medication Assisted Treatment Response (iMATR) program, which launched in May 2022.
The iMATR program is designed to effectively address the complex issues of homelessness, substance use and mental health. It is an intensive, personalized program that promotes healthy behaviors and supports patients’ welfare.
Addressing these issues together is important. Research from the American Addiction Centers shows that nearly one-third of people experiencing homelessness may encounter problems with alcohol and drugs. Experts believe drug abuse can advance to home loss and those experiencing both may not know where to seek help.
“We have successfully treated more than 50 patients in the iMATR program since we opened; 16 of those patients were experiencing homelessness, including three that had been living on the streets for over 10 years,” said Michelle Krichbaum, Phar.D., program manager for pain, palliative, and substance uses disorders at Broward Health Medical Center. “This grant will support detoxification, secondary prevention and educational services and allow us the opportunity to reach even more patients in need.”
There are more than 2,000 people experiencing homelessness locally, and according to Broward County’s website, drug disorders and homelessness may often happen simultaneously. Broward County also holds the highest number of fentanyl-related deaths in Florida according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission report in 2020.
In the iMATR program, participants receive individual and group therapy, case management, peer support, a medical evaluation and medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder.
iMATR serves all people who reside in Broward County, including patients experiencing homelessness, who are underserved or uninsured and those who are determined to be low-income.
