In recent months, we have heard of two cases of people facing criminal charges as a result of trying to stop the overdose of a friend: Ms. Johnson in mid-March and Mr. Espadron in mid-July.
We also know that these are only the stories we’ve heard.  Overdose fatality rates are expanding in Louisiana and across the nation. The last national study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 15 people per 100,000 people die of overdose yearly in the state of Louisiana – one of the highest rates in the nation.
Fortunately, overdose deaths are preventable through public education campaigns and simple, cost-free legislation. 911 Good Samaritan laws can encourage witnesses to an overdose to call emergency services to save a life without fear of repercussions. Greater access to naloxone, whether through law enforcement programs, prescriber education or training for friends and family of an opioid user, will save lives with a drug that is safe, effective, and has no potential for abuse.
As Ms. Johnson and Mr. Espadron’s stories demonstrate, 911 Good Samaritan laws are needed in Louisiana now more than ever.  Ms. Johnson and Mr. Espadron would likely not be in prison now, and their friends would not have lost their lives, had they not been afraid to “seek emergency assistance because she was scared about getting in trouble.”
WWAV stands with women like Ms. Johnson and men like Mr. Espadron in speaking their truths, and we want everyone in our network to hear them.  This was our strategy with the NO Justice Campaign – we slowed down to hear what the community was telling us, allowed them the space to tell their stories, and organized from there.
That’s why we are launching a storytelling project to collect the untold truths of those who have lost their friends and loved ones to overdoses – starting with our Community Voices Event, “Staying Alive” on August 15th.  These stories will guide our advocacy work to encourage the Louisiana legislature to join states like Alaska, California, Colorado  Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington who already have Good Samaritan laws on the books.
Overdoses are preventable.  And calling to prevent them should not be a crime!