HUFFINGTON POST: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has come out in favor of a good Samaritan law that would allow drug overdose victims to call 911 without fear of legal repercussions, drug policy reform advocates announced on Monday.
Christie’s decision to reverse his earlier opposition to the bill paved the way for a compromise measure to pass the state Senate and Assembly by overwhelming bipartisan margins on Monday. New Jersey will join 11 other states and the District of Columbia, which have similar laws, if he signs the bill as expected…
There were 752 deaths from drug overdoses in New Jersey in 2009, according to the Drug Policy Alliance. Some of those lives could have been saved, [Roseanne] Scotti said, if a good Samaritan law had been in place, since drug users typically don’t use alone… (more)
EDITOR: We are inquiring about whether there is such a law in Pennsylvania. Our understanding is that it is common practice. With proper attention, a drug overdowse can literally be reversed in minutes. There is a short but adequate window of opportunity to call 911 and save a life through treatment with Narcan or Naloxone.
According to Students for Sensible Drug Policy: “At least 11states have enacted some form of Good Samaritan legislation. Five states grant limited immunity from prosecution for possession of controlled substances for people who seek or obtain medical assistance during an overdose, including New Mexico (2007), Washington (2010), New York Connecticut (2011), and Illinois (2012). Four other states extend limited immunity with regard to underage alcohol consumption and possession, including Colorado (2005), New Jersey (2009), Texas and Pennsylvania (2011).”
