Lincoln County Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) began operations on November 14, 2025 and is designed to connect participants with compassionate follow-up, resources, and opportunities for recovery within days of an overdose.
(Lincolnton) Over the past decade, Lincoln County and the State of North Carolina have participated in national litigations and settlements against major opioid companies including distributors, manufacturers and major pharmacy chains. Those settlements and bankruptcies continue to happen while Lincoln County deals with the opioid epidemic on the front lines with 136 overdoes recorded in 2024, and 145 overdoses recorded so far this year. At this time, Lincoln County is slated to receive more than $11 million over the next 10-15 years that must be used to address the opioid epidemic. In conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Justice, all 100 counties set to receive these funds, must select ways that the funds will be utilized, and must provide reporting to the N.C. Department of Justice on those efforts.
In March of 2023, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners recognized a need for timely intervention and coordinated community response and approved the use of North Carolina Opioid Settlement funds for the implementation of a local Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) to address the ongoing opioid epidemic. The Board of Commissioners authorized the use of $1.2 million for this strategy. The PORT began operations on November 14, 2025 and is designed to connect participants with compassionate follow-up, resources, and opportunities for recovery within days of an overdose. PORT is a collaborative effort supported by the Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County Emergency Services, Atrium Health, and additional first responder agencies. Through these partnerships, the program focuses on providing support, guidance, and linkage to care through helping participants navigate treatment options, receive peer support, and access community services. PORT aims to meet individuals where they are and offer a path forward during a critical moment of vulnerability and readiness for change.
For more information about PORT and available resources, please visit the Lincoln County Health Department's PORT webpage or email postODteam@lincolncountync.gov.