The following is excerpted from an article by Tony Newman of the Drug Policy Alliance posted at the Huffington Post at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tony-newman/heath-ledgers-tragic-over_b_113673.html
“….New Mexico broke ground last year when the State legislature passed and Governor Bill Richardson signed the first “911 Good Samarian” law that provides immunity from arrest to witnesses of overdose who summon emergency services. It should never be a crime to call 911 to save a life. Now New York, Maryland, California and other states are considering similar legislation. In June, the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) adopted a resolution that sets forth a comprehensive strategy for cities and states to reduce overdose morbidity and mortality by supporting local programs that distribute naloxone directly to drug users, their friends, families and communities and urging state governments to adopt emergency “Good Samaritan” policies. Adopted resolutions become the official policy of the USCM, which speaks as one voice to promote best practices and the most pressing priorities of our nation’s cities.”
