Staunton Farm Foundation is proud to announce Dr. Michael Lynch, MD, UPMC Health Plan Senior Medical Director and Director of the UPMC Medical Toxicology Telemedicine Bridge Clinic as this year’s Albert B. Craig, Jr. Award winner.

The purpose of the Albert B. Craig, Jr. Award is to recognize people who have challenged society to think in fresh ways about problems and solutions in behavioral health; to forge new paths, whether through uncommon partnerships or new ways of serving people with behavioral health issues; or who have invented a product or process that has advanced solutions that improve outcomes for people living with behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders.

“Driven by a deep concern for others, a spirit of independent thought, and a relentless focus on results, Dr. Michael Lynch exemplifies the values of Dr. Albert B. Craig, Jr.,” said Eric Hulsey, Executive Director of the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions. “His work challenges convention, builds bridges across disciplines and systems, and uplifts the dignity of individuals affected by addiction.”

A Pittsburgh-area native born and raised in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Michael Lynch has dedicated his career to transforming the care and understanding of substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral health through innovation, compassion, and evidence-driven leadership.

After completing his medical degree, residency in Emergency Medicine, and fellowship in Medical Toxicology at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Lynch’s experiences while caring for individuals with substance use disorders across southwestern Pennsylvania shaped his commitment to improving access to treatment and outcomes. Recognizing the need to address addiction as a chronic disease rather than episodic crises, he became board certified in Addiction Medicine and dedicated his career to advancing evidence-based approaches to care.

Today, Dr. Lynch is recognized nationally as a leading expert in addiction treatment, toxicology, overdose protection, and emerging drug threats.

Among his most influential contributions is the creation of UPMC Telemedicine Bridge Clinic, one of the first program of its kind in the nation. Launched in 2020, the clinic provides urgent, low-barrier access to healthcare providers trained in the treatment of substance use disorders and withdrawal management. Through telehealth appointments available the same day or next business day, patients can receive evaluations, medication initiation, withdrawal management, motivational interviewing, and referrals to long-term treatment providers in their communities.

In addition to developing the clinic, Dr. Lynch has spearheaded numerous innovations that have transformed addiction care within the UPMC Health system, including:

• Systemwide naloxone distribution to emergency department and inpatient populations
• Emergency department–based initiation of medications for opioid use disorder
• Structured warm handoff programs
• An inpatient addiction consult service
• A buprenorphine-to-go program ensuring continuity of care after discharge

Dr. Lynch’s impact extends well beyond clinical care. As the first Medical Director of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, he helped advance policies that expanded access to treatment statewide, including work that advanced access to treatment during the period leading to elimination of the federal X-waiver requirement. He has advised local, state, and national agencies, provided expert testimony, and helped healthcare systems and communities respond to evolving challenges in addiction treatment and overdose prevention. Most recently, Dr. Lynch has become a leading voice in understanding and responding to dangerous drug adulterants such as xylazine and medetomidine, helping clinicians and treatment providers better recognize and manage their effects.

A respected educator, researcher, and mentor, he has authored numerous publications, contributed to state and federal guidelines, and trained generations of healthcare professionals. Through his innovation, collaboration, and commitment to improving outcomes, Dr. Lynch has expanded access to life-saving treatment and strengthened systems of care for thousands of individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

About Staunton Farm Foundation – The Staunton Farm Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people who live with mental illness and substance use disorders. The Foundation works to enhance behavioral health treatment, support, and recovery through grant making to nonprofit organizations in 10 southwestern Pennsylvania counties (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland).