Media Advisory: MD Legislature to Consider "Good Samaritan" Bill to Protect People Who Call 911 for Drug OD Victims

MEDIA ADVISORY: March 19, 2009 Contact: Naomi Long at (202) 669-6071 Maryland Legislature to Consider “Good Samaritan” Bill to Protect People Who Call 911 for Drug Overdose Victims 3/19/09: House Committee to Hold Hearing on Bill to Encourage Calls for Help What: Hearing for bill to encourage calls to the proper authorities during alcohol and drug-related overdoses by protecting caller from arrest for drug possession When: Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 1 p.m. Where: HB 1273 – House Judiciary Committee room 101 Maryland state legislators will be considering a bill that encourages more people to call for help during a life threatening drug overdose by shielding the person who calls 911 from arrest for simple drug possession. The bill does not preclude police officers from investigating other crimes, such as drug trafficking, or making arrests in the event the overdose victim dies. Less than 15% of intoxication deaths occur immediately. The majority of intoxication deaths occur in the presence of others, and most victims can be saved with prompt medical attention. Fear of police involvement is the most commonly cited reason for the failure to contact medical assistance, as well as for delay in calling for assistance. “It should never be a crime to call 911,” said Naomi Long, Director, of the Drug Policy Alliance, D.C. and Maryland Project. “This bill is about saving lives without compromising public safety. In these hard economic times, Maryland should focus resources on saving lives not arresting Good Samaritans.” The bill’s sponsor, Del. Kris Valderrama said she introduced the bill because, “It is about giving countless Marylanders a second chance at life. We should pass laws that send the message that saving lives is our first priority.” Proponents say the bill is similar to other state laws. Maryland’s “Safe Haven” law, for example, which provides immunity for a parent who abandons an unharmed newborn with a responsible adult, recognizes the importance of human health above punishment. The Maryland Association of County Health Officers supports the bill and Dr. Peter Beilenson, Health Officer for Howard County submitted supporting testimony, “This legislation is both humane and good policy. It will protect those who are trying to do the right thing at a time when minutes count.” The bill to encourage people to call 911 during an alcohol or drug-related overdose is sponsored by Del. Kris Valderrama (D) and co-sponsored by Delegates Anderson (D), Barnes (D), Carter (D), Conaway (D), Dumais (D), Gutierrez (D), Kramer (D), Lee (D), Ramirez (D), Rosenberg (D), Schuler (D), and Vallario (D). The Drug Policy Alliance supports the bill. Other supporting organizations include the University of Maryland chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, the National African American Drug Policy Coalition, Maryland chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the Drug Policy Clinic of the University of Maryland Law School.