Orange County’s Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) began service on July 1, 2024, and has made direct contact with 100% of those referred to the program, filling a gap in service for community members struggling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). PORT has an 85% success rate in connecting individuals to treatment who received medications for opioid use disorder from the team.
“While connecting people to treatment is a great outcome, our team measures success by connecting participants with the resources that they need based upon their expressed opinions,” said Landon Weaver, Bureau Chief of Community Health and Safety for Orange County Emergency Services.
The purpose of PORT is to keep community members experiencing Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD) safe and alive by filling a gap in opioid-use-related services. The services provided by PORT are based on what the individual wants. This can range from something as simple as a text message or a reassuring phone call, to the team hand delivering naloxone, sterile syringes, and other harm-reduction supplies. The team can progress to helping them begin medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The treatment can take place at their home, and they will be connected with an ongoing treatment plan that fits their unique needs.
PORT receives referrals directly from 911 when they receive calls with any indicator of withdrawal or substance use. PORT also receives referrals through a partnership with the Criminal Justice Resource Department’s (CJRD) Lantern Project. The Lantern Project is a deflection, diversion, and reentry program that works to support people with histories of substance use who are justice-involved by connecting them to therapeutic supports as soon as possible.
“The PORT is a much-needed additional layer to our EMS system,” said Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. “These specialized, trained staff can dedicate more time to people with OUD, such as remaining on the scene with a patient after an EMS incident has concluded to discuss options and connecting them to services.”
The Post-Overdose Response Team is available every day of the year from 7 am to 7 pm and consists of a Peer Support Specialist and a Community Paramedic. All services provided by PORT are free of charge, non-coercive, individual-focused, and always conducted with an emphasis on respect and confidentiality of the individual. If you are interested in any of these services, please contact the team directly or fill out this form.
Photograph description (from left): The Post-Overdose Response Team consists of William Vanderburg, PORT Community Paramedic; Sebastian Zarasua, PORT Peer Support Specialist; Landon Weaver, Bureau Chief of Community Health and Safety; and Chase Jarvis, PORT Community Paramedic.