Every year, hundreds of people die from drug overdoses. Few of these individuals are alone when they overdose, but witnesses are sometimes reluctant to call for help, fearing they’ll face criminal charges for drug use.
That reluctance may be eased in the state of Washington thanks to legislative action.
Lawmakers, drug prevention specialists and health officials are hoping a new law, which takes effect [June 11], will help reduce the number of overdose deaths across the state [of Washington.]
The new legislation, dubbed the ‘911 Good Samaritan’ law is aimed at getting immediate medical aid to someone suffering from a drug overdose. The law grants limited immunity to people who call 911 to get help for anyone showing signs of an overdose. [Source: Washington Herald]
The new law states that evidence of drug possession that is found only as a result of a 911 call can’t be used to bring charges against anyone involved in the incident. Under the new law, doctors are also allowed to prescribe naloxone (a medication used to counter the effects of an opiate overdose) to anyone deemed likely to witness an overdose.
Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton