Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) was identified by the substance use coaltion, the peer support specialists, and the Health Director as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in the Substance Abuse population in our community. This is a new program in our community.

A Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) is an overdose follow-up program that allows agencies to visit a person who has recently overdosed (within 24-72 hours). A follow-up visit conducted within days of a naloxone reversal, provides multiple opportunities such as directing the person(s) to harm reduction services; provide naloxone overdose prevention training and materials; and for stakeholders in our community to work together to reduce the overdose mortality rate. 

The priority population/customers for this PORT team are substance users who have overdosed, and the PORT team aims to make a difference at the individual/interpersonal behavior and environmental change level. Implementation will take place in Graham County, NC.

The partners for this PORT include:

This program has not started yet due to Health Director resigning and funding still being worked on. More work to come in 2023. 

The Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) spent 2023 in the planning process. The Health Department's Lead Peer Support Specialist, Paramedicine Paramedic, and the EMS Director, along with other county employees worked this tirelessly to figure out the ins and outs of this program. We, at the Health Department, are excited to see more work to come in 2024.