The Matthew Perry Foundation is dedicated to building a future where every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to maintain their recovery journey and thrive.
Our focused approach to giving supports on-the-ground organizations that are bringing vital resources and services to those that need them most.
The Matthew Perry Foundation, in partnership with Dr. Andrew Herring, Highland Hospital, and the Public Health Institute, is launching a transformative telehealth program to support incarcerated individuals suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD).
“Our reality is that it’s cheaper for the state to let those who are suffering die than to provide them the treatment they vitally need,” says Dr. Herring.
This stark truth drives the need for our groundbreaking initiative, which builds on the success of a local pilot at Santa Rita Jail, one of California’s largest. The pilot program has shown that connecting incarcerated individuals to addiction specialists before release significantly improves follow-up care and reduces the risk of overdose. Now, we aim to expand that success statewide, ensuring continuity of care for those who need it most.
The Matthew Perry Foundation, in partnership with Dr. Andrew Herring, Highland Hospital, and the Public Health Institute, is launching a transformative telehealth program to support incarcerated individuals suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD).
“Our reality is that it’s cheaper for the state to let those who are suffering die than to provide them the treatment they vitally need,” says Dr. Herring. This stark truth drives the need for our groundbreaking initiative, which builds on the success of a local pilot at Santa Rita Jail, one of California’s largest. The pilot program has shown that connecting incarcerated individuals to addiction specialists before release significantly improves follow-up care and reduces the risk of overdose. Now, we aim to expand that success statewide, ensuring continuity of care for those who need it most.
The Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is our first program to proudly bear Matthew Perry’s name. Led by Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a national leader in addiction medicine, this fellowship exemplifies our commitment to reshaping how addiction is treated and perceived. Dr. Wakeman, the Medical Director of the Substance Use Disorders Initiative at MGH, is renowned for her innovative, evidence-based approaches to treating substance use disorders, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities. Under her guidance, the fellowship provides advanced training that equips physicians with the skills to lead, advocate, and address health disparities in the field of addiction medicine.
Comprehensive Training and Leadership Development
The one-year fellowship offers a robust combination of inpatient and outpatient care training, with a strong focus on treating substance use disorder in populations disproportionately impacted by addiction. Physicians receive hands-on experience and specialized training designed to prepare them for leadership roles in addiction medicine. The program not only creates expert clinicians but also nurtures future leaders who will advocate for systemic change and advance public understanding of addiction as a treatable disease.
Addressing Health Disparities
A core element of the fellowship is its emphasis on addressing the significant health disparities that perpetuate unequal access to addiction treatment. By training physicians to serve marginalized communities, the program actively works to close the gap in care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the treatment they need.Advancing Leadership in Addiction Medicine
Graduates of the fellowship are not just highly skilled clinicians—they are empowered advocates who will lead the charge in reshaping public perceptions of addiction. They will educate others, spearhead initiatives, and ensure that addiction treatment is grounded in empathy, evidence, and inclusivity.Sustainability and Scalability
The Matthew Perry Foundation is proud to have funded its first fellow and is actively working to expand the program by sponsoring three additional fellows. With continued funding, the fellowship aims to reach more communities across the country, promoting sustainable, long-term change in how addiction is treated and understood. Our goal is to build a legacy that equips a new generation of leaders to address addiction with compassion, expertise, and advocacy.
The Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is our first program to proudly bear Matthew Perry’s name. Led by Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a national leader in addiction medicine, this fellowship exemplifies our commitment to reshaping how addiction is treated and perceived. Dr. Wakeman, the Medical Director of the Substance Use Disorders Initiative at MGH, is renowned for her innovative, evidence-based approaches to treating substance use disorders, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities. Under her guidance, the fellowship provides advanced training that equips physicians with the skills to lead, advocate, and address health disparities in the field of addiction medicine.
Comprehensive Training and Leadership Development
The one-year fellowship offers a robust combination of inpatient and outpatient care training, with a strong focus on treating substance use disorder in populations disproportionately impacted by addiction. Physicians receive hands-on experience and specialized training designed to prepare them for leadership roles in addiction medicine. The program not only creates expert clinicians but also nurtures future leaders who will advocate for systemic change and advance public understanding of addiction as a treatable disease.
Addressing Health Disparities
A core element of the fellowship is its emphasis on addressing the significant health disparities that perpetuate unequal access to addiction treatment. By training physicians to serve marginalized communities, the program actively works to close the gap in care, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the treatment they need.
Advancing Leadership in Addiction Medicine
Graduates of the fellowship are not just highly skilled clinicians—they are empowered advocates who will lead the charge in reshaping public perceptions of addiction. They will educate others, spearhead initiatives, and ensure that addiction treatment is grounded in empathy, evidence, and inclusivity.
Sustainability and Scalability
The Matthew Perry Foundation is proud to have funded its first fellow and is actively working to expand the program by sponsoring three additional fellows. With continued funding, the fellowship aims to reach more communities across the country, promoting sustainable, long-term change in how addiction is treated and understood. Our goal is to build a legacy that equips a new generation of leaders to address addiction with compassion, expertise, and advocacy.
Matthew Perry Foundation Fellows
The Foundation is honored to partner with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and support its renowned Addiction Medicine Fellowship program by sponsoring Dr. Sarah “SK” Kler as the inaugural Matthew Perry Foundation fellow. This fellowship exemplifies our shared commitment to equipping physicians with the expertise and compassion needed to transform care and foster innovative recovery for sufferers of substance use disorder in communities across the nation.
At the heart of this initiative is the groundbreaking work of Dr. Sarah Wakeman, Senior Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham, and her team. Their leadership in training the next generation of addiction medicine specialists aligns with the Foundation’s mission to eliminate stigma, enhance treatment, and ensure that all individuals affected by substance use disorder receive the care they deserve. Supporting this vital work underscores the Matthew Perry Foundation’s dedication to advancing compassionate, evidence-based solutions to address the addiction crisis caused by this disease.
Our inaugural fellow, Dr. Kler, embodies this mission with her deep commitment to underserved populations and her steadfast advocacy for patients. A graduate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and currently Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at MGH, Dr. Kler has worked extensively with Boston Healthcare for the Homeless and served as a case manager for vulnerable communities. Her experience reflects her passion for addressing addiction as a treatable disease and ensuring that patients receive equitable care.
Through this fellowship, Dr. Kler and her peers will gain hands-on experience in innovative programs like the Bridge Clinic, HOPE Clinic, and inpatient Addiction Consult Team. By supporting this vital training, the Matthew Perry Foundation is helping to ensure that hope and healing remain within reach for countless individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, while honoring Matthew’s enduring legacy.
The Foundation is honored to partner with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and support its renowned Addiction Medicine Fellowship program by sponsoring Dr. Sarah “SK” Kler as the inaugural Matthew Perry Foundation fellow. This fellowship exemplifies our shared commitment to equipping physicians with the expertise and compassion needed to transform care and foster innovative recovery for sufferers of substance use disorder in communities across the nation.
At the heart of this initiative is the groundbreaking work of Dr. Sarah Wakeman, Senior Medical Director for Substance Use Disorder at Mass General Brigham, and her team. Their leadership in training the next generation of addiction medicine specialists aligns with the Foundation’s mission to eliminate stigma, enhance treatment, and ensure that all individuals affected by substance use disorder receive the care they deserve. Supporting this vital work underscores the Matthew Perry Foundation’s dedication to advancing compassionate, evidence-based solutions to address the addiction crisis caused by this disease.
Our inaugural fellow, Dr. Kler, embodies this mission with her deep commitment to underserved populations and her steadfast advocacy for patients. A graduate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and currently Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at MGH, Dr. Kler has worked extensively with Boston Healthcare for the Homeless and served as a case manager for vulnerable communities. Her experience reflects her passion for addressing addiction as a treatable disease and ensuring that patients receive equitable care.
Through this fellowship, Dr. Kler and her peers will gain hands-on experience in innovative programs like the Bridge Clinic, HOPE Clinic, and inpatient Addiction Consult Team. By supporting this vital training, the Matthew Perry Foundation is helping to ensure that hope and healing remain within reach for countless individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, while honoring Matthew’s enduring legacy.
The Grassroots Recovery Grants initiative, our inaugural program, empowers local organizations working tirelessly to combat substance use disorders within their communities. The program provides financial assistance to diverse groups that play a crucial role in offering hope and recovery to individuals affected by substance use disorders, but that may not have the resources or recognition often required to secure traditional funding. Because the Foundation is working directly with community leaders and the state legislature to identify programs in dire need, these grants help bridge gaps in people’s recovery journeys and fill them with support from leaders on the ground.
The AMAAD Institute provides hope and resilience, offering culturally responsive programs to address Substance Use Disorder within minority communities. With a focus on prevention, treatment, and ongoing support, AMAAD provides essential services including counseling, recovery support, and community outreach. Their mission is to reduce the impact of addiction and related health issues among minorities, ensuring that those who are often underserved receive the compassionate care they deserve. By empowering individuals through tailored support and advocacy, AMAAD is making a profound difference in fostering healthier, stronger communities.
The AMAAD Institute provides hope and resilience, offering culturally responsive programs to address Substance Use Disorder within minority communities. With a focus on prevention, treatment, and ongoing support, AMAAD provides essential services including counseling, recovery support, and community outreach. Their mission is to reduce the impact of addiction and related health issues among minorities, ensuring that those who are often underserved receive the compassionate care they deserve. By empowering individuals through tailored support and advocacy, AMAAD is making a profound difference in fostering healthier, stronger communities.
Spirit of Studio 12 passionately advocates for individuals on their journey to recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Through their comprehensive range of recovery support services, including peer-to-peer and professional counseling, as well as access to sober living environments, they provide a nurturing environment for healing and growth. What sets them apart is their commitment to fostering a supportive community that serves as a cornerstone for long-term recovery. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, Spirit of Studio 12 creates a safe space where individuals can thrive.
Spirit of Studio 12 passionately advocates for individuals on their journey to recovery from Substance Use Disorder. Through their comprehensive range of recovery support services, including peer-to-peer and professional counseling, as well as access to sober living environments, they provide a nurturing environment for healing and growth. What sets them apart is their commitment to fostering a supportive community that serves as a cornerstone for long-term recovery. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, Spirit of Studio 12 creates a safe space where individuals can thrive.
The American Indian Child Resource Center (AICRC) is a leading organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural integrity of American Indian youth and their families. AICRC offers foster care, mental health services, education, and cultural programs, focusing on building positive cultural identity and belonging. Their youth development initiatives, after-school academic and cultural programs, aim to nurture the development of Native youth and support their resilience and leadership. By fostering cultural pride and providing essential resources, AICRC empowers American Indian communities to thrive and maintain their cultural heritage.
The American Indian Child Resource Center (AICRC) is a leading organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural integrity of American Indian youth and their families. AICRC offers foster care, mental health services, education, and cultural programs, focusing on building positive cultural identity and belonging. Their youth development initiatives, after-school academic and cultural programs, aim to nurture the development of Native youth and support their resilience and leadership. By fostering cultural pride and providing essential resources, AICRC empowers American Indian communities to thrive and maintain their cultural heritage.
The Palmdale Community Foundation is dedicated to addressing Substance Use Disorder in their local community area. By providing educational programs, support services, and access to treatment resources, they work tirelessly to reduce addiction rates and support individuals on their journey to recovery. With a strong commitment to fostering healthier environments, they serve as a vital resource for those in need. Supporting their initiatives means investing in the well-being of individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorder.
The Palmdale Community Foundation is dedicated to addressing Substance Use Disorder in their local community area. By providing educational programs, support services, and access to treatment resources, they work tirelessly to reduce addiction rates and support individuals on their journey to recovery. With a strong commitment to fostering healthier environments, they serve as a vital resource for those in need. Supporting their initiatives means investing in the well-being of individuals and families affected by Substance Use Disorder.
The Source LGBT+ Center is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn, grow, and thrive within their communities. While their primary focus is on creating a safe and welcoming environment, they also offer support for individuals in recovery through community-based services and an extensive list of their recovery community on their website. Their commitment to serving the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring their well-being makes them a valuable asset deserving of support.
The Source LGBT+ Center is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn, grow, and thrive within their communities. While their primary focus is on creating a safe and welcoming environment, they also offer support for individuals in recovery through community-based services and an extensive list of their recovery community on their website. Their commitment to serving the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring their well-being makes them a valuable asset deserving of support.
Champions in Service (CIS) delivers vital outreach and support for individuals dealing with Substance Use Disorder. Their programs encompass harm reduction, recovery initiatives, education, and community efforts. CIS is dedicated to promoting recovery and reducing the stigma associated with substance use, enabling individuals to receive the support and resources they need.
Champions in Service (CIS) delivers vital outreach and support for individuals dealing with Substance Use Disorder. Their programs encompass harm reduction, recovery initiatives, education, and community efforts. CIS is dedicated to promoting recovery and reducing the stigma associated with substance use, enabling individuals to receive the support and resources they need.
Parent 2 Parent Strategies: BILY offers critical support for families navigating adolescent Substance Use Disorder. Through peer-led support groups and educational programs, they equip parents with effective tools and strategies to address their children's challenges. Their mission is to strengthen family bonds and promote recovery, ensuring that families have the resources and support they need.
Parent 2 Parent Strategies: BILY offers critical support for families navigating adolescent Substance Use Disorder. Through peer-led support groups and educational programs, they equip parents with effective tools and strategies to address their children's challenges. Their mission is to strengthen family bonds and promote recovery, ensuring that families have the resources and support they need.
The Upper Room Rehabilitation Services provides a full spectrum of addiction treatment programs, including detoxification, residential care, and outpatient services. Their holistic approach encompasses individual and group therapy, medication management, and life skills training. Focused on empowering individuals to achieve and sustain sobriety, The Upper Room Rehabilitation Services offers compassionate and effective care. By addressing the multifaceted needs of those battling Substance Use Disorder, they create a supportive environment that fosters long-term recovery.
The Upper Room Rehabilitation Services provides a full spectrum of addiction treatment programs, including detoxification, residential care, and outpatient services. Their holistic approach encompasses individual and group therapy, medication management, and life skills training. Focused on empowering individuals to achieve and sustain sobriety, The Upper Room Rehabilitation Services offers compassionate and effective care. By addressing the multifaceted needs of those battling Substance Use Disorder, they create a supportive environment that fosters long-term recovery.
Contra Costa Crisis Center provides vital crisis intervention and support services, including aid for those facing Substance Use Disorder. With a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and referrals to treatment programs, they offer immediate assistance and connect individuals to essential long-term care. Their mission is to keep people safe, and help them through crises, while providing and connecting them with relevant services in the community.
Contra Costa Crisis Center provides vital crisis intervention and support services, including aid for those facing Substance Use Disorder. With a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and referrals to treatment programs, they offer immediate assistance and connect individuals to essential long-term care. Their mission is to keep people safe, and help them through crises, while providing and connecting them with relevant services in the community.
Pueblo y Salud focuses on substance use prevention and education within Latino communities. Through community outreach, prevention workshops, and support services, they work to reduce the impact of addiction. Their programs are designed to raise awareness and foster healthy, drug-free lifestyles within the Latino community.
Pueblo y Salud focuses on substance use prevention and education within Latino communities. Through community outreach, prevention workshops, and support services, they work to reduce the impact of addiction. Their programs are designed to raise awareness and foster healthy, drug-free lifestyles within the Latino community.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Old Baldy Post 2085 is focused on supporting veterans, assisting them in overcoming substance use disorders. Through their comprehensive programs, they provide access to substance use disorder counseling, peer support groups, and connections to local rehabilitation services. Their mission is to ensure that veterans receive the essential care and resources needed to tackle substance use challenges. By fostering a supportive community and offering tailored assistance, VFW Old Baldy Post 2085 plays a vital role in helping veterans reclaim their lives and well-being.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Old Baldy Post 2085 is focused on supporting veterans, assisting them in overcoming substance use disorders. Through their comprehensive programs, they provide access to substance use disorder counseling, peer support groups, and connections to local rehabilitation services. Their mission is to ensure that veterans receive the essential care and resources needed to tackle substance use challenges. By fostering a supportive community and offering tailored assistance, VFW Old Baldy Post 2085 plays a vital role in helping veterans reclaim their lives and well-being.
Mariposa Heritage House is a vital resource serving the mountain communities of the Sierra Nevada with a unique drop-in center at its core. While their service areas may be small, their innovative approach sets them apart. Despite their size, Mariposa Heritage House plays a crucial role in providing support and resources to individuals in need within their community.
Mariposa Heritage House is a vital resource serving the mountain communities of the Sierra Nevada with a unique drop-in center at its core. While their service areas may be small, their innovative approach sets them apart. Despite their size, Mariposa Heritage House plays a crucial role in providing support and resources to individuals in need within their community.
Shasta County Chemical People focuses on preventing and reducing substance use among youth through targeted education and community initiatives. They provide prevention education, counseling services, and community engagement activities designed to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles. By addressing substance use early and fostering community involvement, Shasta County Chemical People aims to create a supportive environment for young people.
Shasta County Chemical People focuses on preventing and reducing substance use among youth through targeted education and community initiatives. They provide prevention education, counseling services, and community engagement activities designed to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles. By addressing substance use early and fostering community involvement, Shasta County Chemical People aims to create a supportive environment for young people.
Voices of Recovery San Mateo County delivers peer-led support services for those affected by Substance Use Disorder. They provide counseling, support groups, and educational workshops designed to foster long-term recovery. By leveraging shared experiences and community support, Voices of Recovery empowers individuals on their recovery journey. The organization’s commitment to peer-led initiatives and community empowerment makes them a valuable partner in promoting sustainable recovery and resilience.
Voices of Recovery San Mateo County delivers peer-led support services for those affected by Substance Use Disorder. They provide counseling, support groups, and educational workshops designed to foster long-term recovery. By leveraging shared experiences and community support, Voices of Recovery empowers individuals on their recovery journey. The organization’s commitment to peer-led initiatives and community empowerment makes them a valuable partner in promoting sustainable recovery and resilience.
Sitike Counseling Center offers comprehensive outpatient services for individuals dealing with Substance Use Disorder. Their programs encompass individual and group therapy, family counseling, and relapse prevention strategies. By focusing on developing effective coping mechanisms and supporting long-term sobriety, Sitike Counseling Center plays a crucial role in the recovery journey.
Sitike Counseling Center offers comprehensive outpatient services for individuals dealing with Substance Use Disorder. Their programs encompass individual and group therapy, family counseling, and relapse prevention strategies. By focusing on developing effective coping mechanisms and supporting long-term sobriety, Sitike Counseling Center plays a crucial role in the recovery journey.
The Wall Las Memorias provides support for individuals grappling with Substance Use Disorder, especially within the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities. Their commitment to providing culturally sensitive prevention, reflects the diverse needs and challenges faced by these groups. By creating an inclusive environment based on understanding and support, they empower individuals to embark on their journey to recovery with confidence.
The Wall Las Memorias provides support for individuals grappling with Substance Use Disorder, especially within the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities. Their commitment to providing culturally sensitive prevention, reflects the diverse needs and challenges faced by these groups. By creating an inclusive environment based on understanding and support, they empower individuals to embark on their journey to recovery with confidence.
The Michael Leonardi Foundation is dedicated to educating individuals, families, and communities about the dangers of illicit fentanyl, and was founded following the tragic loss of Michael to fentanyl poisoning. Through awareness presentations, community outreach, and music events, the foundation empowers people with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and protect their loved ones. Their commitment to promoting health, safety, and education aims to mitigate the devastating impact of fentanyl and inspire proactive community action. The foundation honors Michael's spirit by fostering a future driven by informed awareness, where communities can thrive in health and safety.
The Michael Leonardi Foundation is dedicated to educating individuals, families, and communities about the dangers of illicit fentanyl, and was founded following the tragic loss of Michael to fentanyl poisoning. Through awareness presentations, community outreach, and music events, the foundation empowers people with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and protect their loved ones. Their commitment to promoting health, safety, and education aims to mitigate the devastating impact of fentanyl and inspire proactive community action. The foundation honors Michael's spirit by fostering a future driven by informed awareness, where communities can thrive in health and safety.
Angels at Risk passionately addresses the devastating impact of drug and alcohol use among kids, teenagers, and their families. Their mission is rooted in the belief that early education, prevention, and intervention can transform lives and create brighter futures. Serving diverse communities, Angels at Risk provides essential programs and heartfelt support to those in need. They foster authentic communication and genuine connections within the families they serve, they create a nurturing environment where healing and growth are possible. Angels at Risk, ensures that every child and family has the opportunity to overcome challenges and thrive.
Angels at Risk passionately addresses the devastating impact of drug and alcohol use among kids, teenagers, and their families. Their mission is rooted in the belief that early education, prevention, and intervention can transform lives and create brighter futures. Serving diverse communities, Angels at Risk provides essential programs and heartfelt support to those in need. They foster authentic communication and genuine connections within the families they serve, they create a nurturing environment where healing and growth are possible. Angels at Risk, ensures that every child and family has the opportunity to overcome challenges and thrive.
