R.E.S.T.A.R.T. is an acronym for Recognize, Educate, Stabilize, Transform, Accelerate, Rehabilitate and Trust, and exemplifies the foundations on which the program was established.

Jonathan Cook, EM Chief, jonathanc@caldwellcountync.org

Jason Powell, Program Director, jpowell@caldwellcountync.org

R.E.S.T.A.R.T.  makes impacts by meeting individuals where they are as a boots on the ground Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) to provide support, education, and access to evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder and additional resources needed.  We offer dignity and respect, compassion, and non-judgmental viewpoints, improving quality of life, not necessarily cessation of use. Our PORT is able to create relationships with people who use drugs in the community and can offer a variety of wraparound health and social services. In short, PORT programs save lives.

• Harm reduction supplies, including naloxone, fentanyl/xylazine testing strips, and connections to syringe service programs
• Education on overdose prevention and safer drug use practices 
• Referrals and access to MOUD, such as methadone and buprenorphine 
• Education and support around treatment and recovery options 
• Referrals to detox facilities, inpatient treatment facilities, and outpatient treatment programs 
• Case management for a variety of supportive services, such as housing resources, food, clothing, and healthcare 
• Referrals to mental health services 
• Referrals and access to communicable disease testing and treatment 
• Most importantly: Love, care, and support

To advocate for individuals and their families affected by substance use disorders and misuse, by meeting each individual where they are through the promotion of evidence-based strategies originating in prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery, while ultimately reducing overdose deaths.

Any person that is referred, identified or requests our services within Caldwell County struggling with substance use.  If a person who resides outside of our jurisdiction is identified, we are able to direct them to appropriate resources available in their respective county of residence.