Why 911 Good Samaritan Laws Save Lives
A 911 Good Samaritan law provides limited immunity from arrest or prosecution for minor drug law violations for people who summon help at the scene of an overdose. On July 2, 2013, Delaware became the 14th state to pass a 911 Good Samaritan law. My heart sings every time another state passes this law. At the same time, I am dismayed that only 14 of 50 states—less than one-third—have done likewise. I pray that every single state follows suit and institutes this important law. I am thrilled to say that my own state, NC, recently passed this important legislation thanks to the tireless efforts of many people, including families of overdose victims, legislators and harm reduction groups. Included in this law is also the provision to make Naloxone (an antidote to heroin overdose) readily available through overdose prevention groups or a physician.
So why is this law so important? Did you know that most victims are not alone when they overdose? Overdose deaths are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, exceeding even motor vehicle accidents among people ages 25 to 64. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if emergency assistance had been called in time. Unfortunately, people at the scene where drugs and alcohol are being used illegally often fear arrest if they call 911, even if it is a friend or family member who needs help. So they leave. This fact is backed up by research. We must stop the fear so overdose victims can get the help they need. We can do that by exempting witnesses from arrest and prosecution for minor drug and alcohol law violations. I have heard it argued that this law is bad because then drug users get away with their drug crimes. Guess what? They’re getting away with it anyway if and when they are LEAVING the scene! I would personally support a drug user not being arrested if it saves a life. When you weigh the two options, saving a life wins hands-down. It is too late for the beautiful souls already lost, but not for someone else’s beloved child.
Part two of this legislation is Naloxone availability. Naloxone (also known as “Narcan”) is the antidote that reverses an opioid overdose. It works by neutralizing the opioids in the person’s system. You can’t get high from it, so there is no concern of abuse, and it is safe for nearly everyone. It has been used for a long time by EMS personnel and hospitals. Now in these 14 states, anyone can get a Naloxone kit to use on an overdose victim. Every person who uses opiates should have one of these kits.
If you love someone who uses opiates, even by prescription, I urge you to get one of these kits and keep it in a safe and accessible place. I salute the forward-thinking states that have enacted this legislation, and I hope and pray that every other state will do the same as soon as possible.