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Drug Policy Alliance launched the Overdose Prevention Campaign on Overdose Awareness Day 2011 in order to promote public health policies aimed at raising awareness about drug overdose and reducing the number of overdose deaths.

In New Jersey, overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death.  Almost 6,000 people have died from drug overdoses in New Jersey since 2004.  More than 700 people died from drug overdoses in New Jersey in 2009 alone.  These deaths are preventable.  This heartbreaking problem needs to be addressed and New Jersey must implement policies that encourage people to seek help.

The first priority for the new campaign is the enactment of S851/A578, a Good Samaritan law similar to those passed in other states that is designed to encourage people to call 911 and seek emergency medical assistance in cases of overdose.  Although most overdoses occur in the presence of others, fear of arrest and prosecution prevents many people from calling 911.  As a result, medical assistance is summoned in only half of all overdose situations.

To remove barriers to calling 911 and encourage people to seek emergency medical assistance for overdoses, states are enacting Good Samaritan laws to provide limited legal protections for those who call 911.  The chance of surviving an overdose often depends on the speed with which the victim receives appropriate medical care.  Providing limited protection from arrest and prosecution for drug charges encourages those who are present at the scene of an overdose to seek immediate medical assistance.

Please take time to watch this short video, put together to raise awareness about the growing number of overdose tragedies and the importance of a Good Samaritan law.

Our current policies focus on punishment and drive people into the shadows and away from help.  Saving lives should always take priority over punishing behavior.  Calling 911 should never be a crime.  S851/A578 will encourage people to get help.  Join us in supporting this life-saving legislation.  Together we can make a difference!