Law protects Good Samaritans

CLEARWATER, Fla. – California is one of the 40 states that are covered by the “Good Samaritan Law.” This law offers legal protection to people who give practical assistance to someone who they believe to be injured, ill, in danger or otherwise disabled.

It protects people who witness someone overdosing on drugs and who are typically hesitant to help because they fear of being sued or prosecuted for simple possession charges or other crimes. As a result, sometimes people are left to die alone.

The range of what offenses and violations are covered by the law does vary by state. Some provide immunity from a wider list of controlled substance offenses, and some have a more restricted immunity.

Narconon encourages everyone to do their research on this law. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the United States had 70,237 deaths from drug overdose in 2017. If anyone encounters someone overdosing, they should remember that is someone’s mother, daughter, son, father, significant other, etc. and call 911 immediately.

For more information on recognizing the signs of overdose, go to http://www.narconon-suncoast.org/blog/how-to-recognize-signs-of-an-opiate-overdose.html. Those in need of a referral to a treatment center can call Narconon at (877) 841-5509.

Submitted by Narconon.