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 Brown County. This expansion will ensure that every person who survives an overdose in the Aberdeen area has rapid, compassionate, and evidence-based support from the moment they return home.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Emily’s Hope Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) Program to Aberdeen and Brown County. This program represents a critical step forward in how we support individuals and families impacted by the escalating opioid epidemic in our region—meeting people where they are with compassion, connection, and hope. By providing timely outreach and linking individuals to essential recovery resources, the PORT program strengthens our collective efforts to improve lives and build a healthier, more resilient community. We are proud to partner in bringing this meaningful resource to our region,” said KaSara Stokes, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center.
“We are excited to partner with Emily’s Hope and the Post Overdose Response Team in this important effort to support individuals and families affected by substance use and overdose. Bringing together healthcare providers, local law enforcement, and community partners allows us to respond with compassion, connect people to resources, and offer hope during difficult moments. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community and help save lives,” said Jessi Paysen, Director of Avera Behavioral Health & Addiction Care Services at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.
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 will soon be entering 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 Brown 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 Brown 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 gaps in care 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 seven counties and will begin offering services in Brown County on May 22, 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.
Comments