Caldwell County RESTART has changed its name to PORT (Post-Overdose Response Team). The name change more accurately reflects the services the team provides and aligns with similar program statewide.
“Our new name defines our role in the community,” said PORT Community Paramedic Sierra White. “We meet people who overdose or who have substance use challenges where they are and help them move toward recovery.”
PORT community paramedics and certified peer support specialists respond alongside EMS to dispatched overdoses in Caldwell County. The community paramedic renders clinical care, if needed, and the peer support specialist offers support and guidance to the individual. Follow-up for after-hours 911 calls occurs within 72 hours of the event.
PORT connects participants with resources and supports them toward in moving toward recovery. PORT community paramedics offer medication assisted treatment (MAT) inductions for eligible individuals, while the certified peer support specialists use their lived experience to provide support to the participant in their journey of recovery.
In 2025, PORT received 370 total referrals and referred 103 participants to treatment. More than 100 of the total referrals came following overdoses. Of those individuals 62 agreed to talk with a PORT staff member.
PORT services can benefit individuals with Opioid use disorder and other substance use challenges, that include those who:
- Have recently overdosed or have a history of overdoses.
- Areseekingtreatment.
- Are interested in Medication Assisted Treatment.
- Need Naloxone (Narcan)
- Need support or resource navigation.
Caldwell County PORT is available, free of charge, to anyone with substance use challenges. Anyone can make a referral on our website (caldwellcountync.info/PORT) or by calling 828-426-8542.