Pickaway Public Health Launches PORT Initiative

Article Presented By Pickaway Ross CTC…

(Circleville) – Pickaway County Public Health has announced the official launch of the Pickaway Overdose Response Team (PORT), a community-driven initiative dedicated to reducing opioid overdoses and connecting individuals struggling with substance use disorder to life-saving resources.

In response to the rising opioid crisis across the nation, and in Pickaway County, PORT is designed to bring together local law enforcement, first responders, healthcare providers, peer support agencies, and community leaders with a goal to streamline interventions, provide critical support, and work to save lives by preventing opioid-related deaths in our community.

Key Program Features:

• Narcan Distribution: PORT will supply Narcan, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, to first responders, individuals at risk of overdose, and community members.

• Referral Process: PORT has developed a QR code system that first responders, peer support teams, and local organizations can use to refer individuals directly to treatment and recovery services.

• Community Engagement: PORT will engage with individuals and families affected by substance use, offering resources such as Fentanyl test strips, drug disposal bags (Deterra), and educational materials on recognizing the signs of an overdose and administering Narcan.

• Collaboration with First Responders: Law enforcement, EMS, and fire departments in Pickaway County, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Sheriff’s Office, are all equipped with PORT’s resources and will play an active role in referring individuals to treatment.

“We are excited to launch this critical initiative and to work alongside our community partners to help those struggling with opioid addiction,” said Tiffany Singer, PORT Coordinator. “By providing quick access to resources, treatment options, and overdose prevention tools, we are working to save lives and reduce the burden on our first responders.”

PORT is committed to addressing the opioid crisis head-on by not only saving lives but also reducing the stigma around substance use disorder (SUD). Together with local leaders, healthcare professionals, and peer support agencies, PORT seeks to foster a healthier, safer community where everyone has the opportunity to recover and thrive.

About the Pickaway Overdose Response Team (PORT): PORT is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Pickaway County Health Department and supported by local law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and community organizations. The team’s mission is to save lives, strengthen community resilience, and provide pathways to recovery for those impacted by the opioid crisis in Pickaway County.

For more information or to get involved with PORT, please contact: Tiffany Singer BS, Public Information Officer, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, PORT Coordinator Phone: (740) 477-9667 ext. 384 or Email: tsinger@pchd.org.