Henderson County Peer Support Specialists and Post Overdose Response Team (PORT)
Henderson County employs Peer Support Specialists under the Department of Strategic Behavioral Health. The work of this department is funded through what is commonly referred to as the “Opioid Settlement Fund”, and this department exists to meet the recommendations of Henderson County’s Strategic Planning for the use of these funds.
The Henderson County Peer Support Specialists are employed through Reentry Services, the Post Overdose Response Team and the Adult Recovery Court.
“Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) are highly trained individuals with lived experience who can help you with your mental health and substance use recovery. They are people with personal lived experience that may be just like yours.
Certified Peer Support Specialists:
- Meet you where you are without judgment
- Help you navigate the system for treatment, employment, housing, and relationships
- Teach you how to advocate for yourself and work with your treatment plan”
--NC Department of Health and Human Services
Contact Information for Henderson County Peer Support Specialist
Amber Curry, BSCJ, CPSS, FPS
(828)393-8696
acurry@hendersoncountync.gov
*Note: phone calls and emails are typically monitored only during business hours, Monday through Friday. If you are experiencing an emergency call 9-1-1
Services and Supports
Peer Support Specialists provide connections to:
- Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) programs
- Harm reduction services
- Housing, transportation, and employment resources
- Pregnancy care and food security programs
The team’s primary goal is to ensure that clients always have a trusted, supportive point of contact for future needs.
Person-Centered Approach
Peer Support Specialists (PSS) emphasize trust and relationship-building rather than formal assessments or paperwork at the door. Peers support clients in identifying their own goals, whether that means entering treatment, practicing harm reduction, or accessing other services. Even after referral to a treatment provider, Peers continue to offer peer support to ensure the individual has consistent encouragement throughout their recovery journey.
A Collaborative Safety Net
Henderson County Peer Support Specialists accept referrals from hospitals, community agencies, first responders, and other partners, helping individuals navigate complex systems of care without being lost in the process.
These services are completely FREE of charge
Unlike traditional services limited by insurance requirements or discharge timelines, our Peer Support Specialists offer support without barriers or conditions. This “no wrong door” approach ensures that help is always available when individuals are ready to engage.
Why Rapport Matters
Rapport is the foundation of Peer Support. Building trust through lived experience, empathy, and consistent follow-up creates the space for honest conversations about substance use, treatment, and safety. Without this trust, outreach efforts often fail. With it, individuals are more likely to accept support, follow through with treatment, and maintain connection with resources that improve their quality of life.
Henderson County Post Overdose Response Team (PORT)
The Henderson County Strategic Behavioral Health Department developed the Post Overdose Response Team (PORT) to strengthen community response to overdoses. The Hendersonville-based team pairs Peer Support Specialists with Emergency Medical Services to follow up with overdose survivors within 24 to 72 hours—whether or not they were transported to the emergency department. These visits focus on building rapport and connecting individuals with treatment, harm reduction services, or other community resources. The establishment of PORT services offers an added layer of support to people who experience overdose and their support system.
Henderson County Re-entry Services
The Henderson County Strategic Behavioral Health Department also employs a Reentry Specialist, embedded in the Henderson County Detention Center. This person helps people in the justice system reintegrate into society by connecting them to needed resources. The Reentry Specialist develops personalized plans, acts as a liaison with community organizations, advocates for their clients' needs, and coordinates services with the goal of reducing re-arrests, improving quality of life and supporting long-term stability for these community members.
The Henderson County Adult Recovery Court (ARC)
Our Recovery Court seeks to reduce drug and prison recidivism, while specifically providing guidance, treatment, and discipline to those facing recovery from addiction. The ARC Team, comprised of probation, law enforcement, treatment providers and court officials, offers individuals the tools necessary to help maintain sobriety years after program completion. An important component of the Recovery Court is the involvement of Peer Support Specialists to support the participants in their recovery journey. See the Adult Recovery Court webpage for additional information.
