VERMILLION, S.D. – February 17, 2026 – 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.”
The expansion into Clay County was made possible through the support of the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health. With this partnership, PORT will be able to bridge critical care gaps and connect more individuals to treatment and long-term recovery resources.
“It’s my responsibility, and it’s a privilege to stand in front of somebody and be that person for them,” said Vanessa, a Peer Support Specialist for Emily’s Hope.
The Emily’s Hope Post-Overdose Response Team currently serves Lincoln, Minnehaha, Codington, Turner, Yankton, and Brookings County and will begin offering services in Clay County on February 17th, 2026, with outreach available to residents across the county.
For more information about the Post-Overdose Response Team or to refer yourself or a loved one, contact Diana Leal at diana@emilyshope.charity or visit our website at www.emilyshope.charity/port.
About Emily’s Hope
Emily’s Hope is a nonprofit organization working to eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and to save lives through evidence-informed education, compassionate support, and financial assistance for recovery. Founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily, the organization has become a national voice for prevention and hope. Emily’s Hope offers a K–12 substance use prevention curriculum used across the country, the Grieving Out Loud podcast, and on-the-ground initiatives such as naloxone distribution, a Post-Overdose Response Team, and a Youth Prevention Coalition in South Dakota. The organization also provides treatment scholarships to help individuals access care. Learn more about Emily’s Hope at emilyshope.charity.
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