Dillon-Spruill, Dr. MeganJuan J Powe2025-07-242025-07-242025-07-23Powe, J. J. (2025). Addressing opioid overdose in Wake County through collaboration of EMS and peer support professionals: Executive summary [Unpublished executive summary]. East Carolina University College of Nursing.http://hdl.handle.net/10342/14230The opioid epidemic continues to be a significant public health crisis in North Carolina (NC), with more than 37,000 opioid-related deaths between 2000 and 2022. In response, Wake County established the Drug Overdose Prevention Coalition and launched the Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT) initiative to decrease opioid overdoses and improve outcomes for people with substance use disorder (SUD). This doctoral project aimed to improve post-overdose care by utilizing certified peer support professionals in the PORT program to conduct a brief, three-question assessment during follow-up visits. From January to April 2025, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reported 269 opioid overdose incidents in Wake County. The PORT attempted outreach to 115 individuals (43%) and successfully contacted 36 (31%). Naloxone was the most common resource distributed, and one individual was connected to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Barriers such as housing instability and safety concerns prevented outreach to the remaining 57% of overdose survivors. The project demonstrated the value of peer support professionals in building trust and engaging overdose survivors, especially when traditional systems often fail to reach this group. However, logistical and engagement challenges limited its overall effect. This community-based, collaborative approach highlights the potential for peer-led interventions to lower overdose deaths and enhance the quality of life for individuals with SUD in Wake County.en-USPeer Support Professional, Opioid Use Disoder, Opioid Overdose, Mediction for Opioid Use Disorder, MOUD, SUD, Naloxone, Asssessment, People with Lived Experience,DNP Executive Summary