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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 11, 2022 04:14 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator John I. Kane |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Designating November 2022 as Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month |
| 2021 was a struggle for all of us, but it was an especially challenging and dangerous year for those with substance use disorder. Drug overdose deaths increased by 15% in 2021, amounting to nearly 5,341 deaths in Pennsylvania last year. These deaths are a tragedy. And the reality is that many of them are preventable. Over the past few months, I have heard from constituents about their own experiences with the opioid epidemic. In many cases, I have heard about deaths that could have been prevented with increased knowledge of the Good Samaritan Law. The Good Samaritan Law (Act 139 of 2014) exists to ensure folks get the help they need. By guaranteeing immunity in cases of opioid and alcohol usage, the Good Samaritan Law ensures that Pennsylvanians facing medical emergencies receive the necessary medical attention. But the Good Samaritan Law only works when everyone knows about its existence. If individuals are concerned that they will face criminal charges after calling emergency professionals, they are unlikely to seek the urgent attention that is necessary in these dire situations. In many of these cases, even a few minutes would save a life – knowledge of the Good Samaritan Law could save those few minutes. That is why I am introducing a resolution designating November 2022 as Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. It is part of an effort to raise awareness about this important law that can save lives. Please join me in cosponsoring this important resolution. |
Introduced as SR373