A non-profit organization who helps people with substance abuse issues are expanding services in southeastern South Dakota.
Officials at Emily’s Hope said they expanded the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) into Clay County. Their services started on February 17 with outreach available to residents in the county.
“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 & Clinical Services at Sanford Vermillion Medical Center.
PORT will provide every individual who survives an overdose with trained Peer Support Specialists. Non-profit officials said they can meet overdose survivors at home, in the hospital, or in the community.
The free, confidential services provided are free naloxone and training, helping connect people to treatment, ongoing follow-pus for up to one year, and assistance in navigating medication for opioid use disorder refill prescribed by a doctor.