No one should be afraid that calling 911 to save a life will land her in jail.
No one should die simply because witnesses would not call 911.
They do.
They will.
They will continue to.
Thank you Governor Christie.
Christie's veto ensures that many more people in his state will die absolutely preventable deaths.
It also sanctions apathy as the appropriate response to life and death situations. Another point in the war against human dignity, sir.
Meanwhile, Jerry got it right again. After sitting on his desk for what felt like ages, Jerry Brown signed AB 472 on September 17, 2012.
This bill would provide that
it shall not be a crime for any person who experiences a drug-related overdose, as defined, who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance, or any other person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for the person experiencing a drug-related overdose, to be under the influence of, or to possess for personal use, a controlled substance, controlled substance analog, or drug paraphernalia, under certain circumstances related to a drug-related overdose that prompted seeking medical assistance if that person does not obstruct medical or law enforcement personnel.
The bill would provide that its provisions shall not affect laws prohibiting the selling, providing, giving, or exchanging of drugs, or laws prohibiting the forcible administration of drugs against a person’s will. The bill would provide that it shall not affect liability for any offense that involves activities made dangerous by the consumption of controlled substances, including, but not limited to, driving under the influence.
This was a long hard fight here in California. Gov. Schwarzenegger veto'd it 28 months prior. You can't give up. It was by our continual pushing, letter writing and calling that it made it through. I produced a documentary called Behind the Orange Curtain. We highlight in this version the need for a 911 Good Samaritan Bill. Now that Jon Bon Jovi's daughter was arrested because someone called 911 to help her - you might get the needed exposure due to his celebrity in the state. Check out the website: www.behindtheorangecurtain.net I also have Don't Run Call 911 Cards as well. Massive Action Solves All Problems. Patty DiRenzo is doing an amazing job for this cause.
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