In a continued effort to save lives and strengthen community support for individuals impacted by substance use disorder, Emily’s Hope announced today the expansion of its Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) into Clay County. This expansion will ensure that every person who survives an overdose in the Clay County area has rapid, compassionate, and evidence-based support from the moment they return home.
“Bringing PORT to Clay County means our team can not only treat overdoses, but help prevent the next one. It strengthens our ability to connect individuals and families to immediate support at a critical moment, helping turn crisis into opportunity for recovery. This partnership also reinforces our shared commitment to collaboration and long-term community wellness,” said Janice McGuire, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Sanford Vermillion Medical Center.
The PORT model pairs trained Peer Support Specialists with public health and public safety partners to initiate immediate outreach to overdose survivors. These specialists meet survivors where they are—whether in the hospital, at home, or in the community—offering non-judgmental support, guidance, and resources tailored to their needs. Services include free naloxone and training, help connecting to treatment, assistance navigating medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) refills ordered by a physician, and ongoing follow-up for up to one year. All services are free, confidential, and require no commitment.
“We recently entered the third year of our PORT program, and we continue to see just how powerful it is when compassion meets timely support,” said Angela Kennecke, founder of Emily’s Hope. “Every survivor deserves someone who shows up for them without judgment and with real solutions. Expanding into Clay County means more lives reached, more families supported, and more opportunities for recovery.”
“The moments after an overdose can feel overwhelming and disorienting,” said Diana Leal, Program Manager for PORT at Emily’s Hope. “People often don’t know where to turn or what options actually exist. Nobody should face that fear alone. Everyone deserves support, dignity, and a real chance at recovery.”