YANKTON, SD (Mitchell Now) – 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 Yankton County. This expansion will ensure that every person who survives an overdose in the Yankton area has rapid, compassionate, and evidence-based support from the moment they return home.
“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Emily’s Hope. This month, we were able to place our first Narcan Distribution Box at the entrance of the Emergency Department in order to put this life-saving medication in the hands of our community. This Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) is yet another step in the right direction to provide quick and responsive care for patients who survive an overdose and are discharged home. There are very few communities that have this type of program, and I am very thankful to have PORT as an option for a dependable road to health and safety,” said Melanie Leise, Clinical Manager of Emergency and Trauma Services at Avera Sacred Heart 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 Yankton 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 Yankton 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 Lincoln, Minnehaha, and Codington counties and will begin offering services in Yankton County on November 25, 2025, 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.