Lincoln county, NC is located in the charlotte-concord-gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan statistical area and is a mix of urban and rural communities

There were 143 cases of documented overdose/substance misuse in 2019 compared to 380 in 2021 - over a 100% increase. In all age ranges, overdose/substance misuse increased since 2019. Lincoln county lacks critical infrastructure to support enhanced needs of individuals with substance use disorder and county leadership is prepared to make the necessary changes to align lincoln county with the priority areas outlined by the state government in north carolina. At this time there is no deflection or diversion work happening in lincoln county that is why the lincoln county health department is requesting 1C funding under the 2022 comprehensive opioid, stimulant and substance abuse site-based program to create a community paramedicine-led post overdose response team (port), the first - first responder deflection and diversion program of its kind in the county. 100% of the budget will be used to build and implement the program including hiring staff, buying supplies, acquiring a robust data tracking system among other expenses that might arise. The port would serve individuals with substance use disorder in an effort to mitigate injury and death. The proposed port program will consist of a certified community paramedic, a certified peer recovery support specialist, and a licensed clinical social worker. The team will connect with eligible individuals and their family members to provide peer support services, linkages to appropriate care, education on the disease of addiction, harm reduction services, safety education, parenting education, and education on any CO-occurring health care needs, and training to those who suffer from a substance use disorder and their loved ones. The goals for this program include: reduce reoccurring use of emergency services or hospital emergency departments connect people with services for acute or long-term needs assist individuals in recovery, sobriety and daily life skills