PRINTER'S NO. 1209
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
207
Session of
2021
INTRODUCED BY KANE, KEARNEY, HUGHES, FONTANA, COLLETT,
BARTOLOTTA, SANTARSIERO, BREWSTER, SCAVELLO, FLYNN, COMITTA,
SCHWANK, MASTRIANO AND COSTA, NOVEMBER 8, 2021
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, NOVEMBER 8, 2021
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of November 2021 as "Good Samaritan Law
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The year 2020 was an especially challenging and
dangerous year for those with substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS, On August 31, 2021, "Opioid Overdose Awareness Day"
was celebrated on the front steps of the Pennsylvania State
Capitol; and
WHEREAS, This year, "Opioid Overdose Awareness Day" took on
new significance because in 2020 there was a 30% increase in
drug overdose deaths nationwide according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and
WHEREAS, The CDC reported 5,172 drug overdose deaths in
Pennsylvania last year, an increase of 16% from 4,444 drug
overdose deaths in 2019; and
WHEREAS, A portion of these tragic deaths could be prevented
by utilizing Act 139 of 2014, which provides immunity to
individuals reporting an incident of drug overdose; and
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WHEREAS, The provisions of this act were passed with
bipartisan and unanimous support by the General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, This act ensures that Pennsylvanians facing medical
emergencies are able to receive necessary medical attention; and
WHEREAS, In March 2021, the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) released a review of good Samaritan laws throughout the
country; and
WHEREAS, The study found that 47 states and the District of
Columbia have enacted good Samaritan laws; and
WHEREAS, The GAO reviewed 17 studies that provide insights
into the effectiveness of good Samaritan laws; and
WHEREAS, The GAO found a pattern of lower rates of opioid-
related overdose deaths among states that have enacted good
Samaritan laws, both compared to death rates prior to a law's
enactment and death rates in states without such laws; and
WHEREAS, When comparing death rates prior to enactment of a
good Samaritan law and death rates in states without these laws,
the GAO found a pattern of lower rates of opioid-related
overdose deaths among states that have enacted good Samaritan
laws; and
WHEREAS, The GAO review found an increased likelihood of
individuals calling 911 if they are aware of these laws; and
WHEREAS, The GAO analysis found that public awareness of good
Samaritan laws vary substantially across jurisdictions among law
enforcement officers and the public, which could affect an
individual's willingness to call for emergency assistance; and
WHEREAS, Act 139 of 2014 only works if everyone knows about
its existence; and
WHEREAS, If individuals know that they will not face charges
after reporting a drug overdose, they are more likely to seek
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the urgent attention that is necessary in emergency situations;
and
WHEREAS, In many drug overdose cases, even a few minutes can
save a life; and
WHEREAS, Promoting the provisions of Act 139 of 2014 and
raising awareness among residents of Pennsylvania can help save
lives and reduce drug overdose deaths; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of November
2021 as "Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That all executive, legislative and judicial
branches of State and local government be encouraged to raise
awareness and promote the benefits of the good Samaritan laws in
Pennsylvania.
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