Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC), in partnership with Emily’s Hope, is expanding support for individuals impacted by substance use by bringing the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) program to Beadle County.
HRMC’s involvement with the PORT program grew from its ongoing commitment to substance use prevention and community health. After learning about Emily’s Hope’s community naloxone distribution efforts in late 2025, HRMC partnered with the organization to install a Naloxone Box at the hospital, providing individuals and families with discreet, judgment-free access to free naloxone kits.
With approval to expand services into Beadle County this year, HRMC and Emily’s Hope worked together to establish a local PORT team. The partnership was made possible through the collaborative efforts of HRMC team members Amy Goergen, RN, BSN, vice president of patient services; Christina Kroger, SW, director of social support; Lauren Marquardt, executive secretary of nursing administration; Stacy Quam, RN, clinic nurse team leader; and Jacklyn Kleinsasser, RN, BSN, ER and trauma coordinator, along with Emily’s Hope.
“We recognized an opportunity to do more for individuals and families affected by substance use in our community,” said Goergen. “The PORT program creates an opportunity to connect individuals who have experienced an overdose with resources, support and hope during a critical moment in their lives. Through our partnership with Emily’s Hope and local recovery specialists, we are working to prevent future overdoses and help individuals take the next step toward recovery.”
The PORT program provides rapid, compassionate outreach to individuals who have recently experienced an overdose. Patients who meet program criteria and choose to participate are connected through HRMC and Emily’s Hope with a trained Beadle County recovery specialist. Whenever possible, the specialist meets with patients in the Emergency Department or follows up after discharge to connect them with treatment options, recovery support services, community resources and ongoing encouragement during a critical time in their recovery.
The program helps bridge the gap between emergency medical care and long-term recovery support. In addition to connecting individuals with treatment services, recovery specialists can assist with navigating barriers such as housing, transportation and other challenges that may impact recovery.
“Even if the program reaches only a small number of individuals, the impact can be life-changing,” Goergen said. “Connecting someone with recovery support at the right time has the potential to prevent a future overdose, improve quality of life and positively impact families and our community.”
HRMC recently hosted a community kickoff event with hospital staff and community stakeholders to introduce the program. Educational materials, staff workflows and ongoing provider and nursing education are being implemented to ensure patients who may benefit from the program are identified and connected with available resources.
For more information about the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) program, visit www.emilyshope.charity/port.