"Don't Run, Call 911" is the slogan for Good Samaritan laws. To encourage people to seek out medical attention for an overdose or for follow-up care after naloxone has been administered, 40 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of a Good Samaritan or 911 drug immunity law. These laws generally provide immunity from arrest, charge or prosecution for certain controlled substance possession and paraphernalia offenses when a person who is either experiencing an opiate-related overdose or observing one calls 911 for assistance or seeks medical attention. Listen in to our opiate recovery support group as they discuss a proposed bill in the state of Iowa.  

Discussion Guide:

Are you familiar with Good Samaritan laws?

Does your state have this protection? Do you know the parameters of the immunity in your state?

Have you called 911 when attempting to save someone from an overdose? If so, what was your experience?

Do you feel that the protections are sufficient to shield you from negative legal consequences?

Are there changes you would recommend to the existing Good Samaritan laws?

Supplemental Reading:

National Conference of State Legislatures, Drug Overdose Immunity and Good Samaritan Laws, http://www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/drug-overdose-immunity-good-samaritan-laws.aspx