Lincoln County Health Department is rolling out a Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT). PORT is a peer led program designed to serve as the linkage to care to individuals that have experienced a non-fatal overdose and/or that are actively using substances that wish to begin the road to recovery! The PORT program will consist of a Certified Peer Support Specialist, the PORT Manager and partner with key stakeholders such as EMS, Law Enforcement and Fire. This initiative is funded by the Opioid Settlement dollars that were dispersed among the state to combat the issue of Substance Use in North Carolina – while planning began in 2023 and 2024, Lincoln County Health Department is confident that the PORT program will be live early 2025.

Planning began in early 2023 and we hope to start serving the community in 2025. 

The PORT program is progressing well, with a Substance Use Prevention Coordinator now hired to assist with its rollout. All compliance and referral forms have been created and approved by the Health Director, pending a few minor adjustments. Program templates and resources have been formalized and integrated into the system of record, Cordata, ensuring streamlined documentation. Necessary technological logistics, such as phone and computer setups, are in place, and deliverables to promote the program are under development. Approval has happened to hire a full-time Certified Peer Support Specialist, along with approving their salary and benefits package. Additionally, a Standard Operating Procedure has been established, with a tentative program launch set for early 2025.