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What is the Good Samaritan Law?

Posted at 11:21 AM, Apr 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-22 12:24:35-04

Every state in the U.S. has a Good Samaritan Law. However, each law differs as to who is protected under the statute.

In New York, the 911 Good Samaritan Law gives legal protection and encourages people to call 911 if somebody overdoses. However, according to law, you can still be charged if you have alcohol or drugs in your possession, but on a limited base. 

In Erie County, there are more people who died from overdosing on heroin than in a car crash. According to Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, more than 500 residents have died from the drug alone since 2013.

The Erie County Department of Health is offering a free clinic on opioid overdose recognition and administering naloxone Saturday, April 30th starting at 10 a.m. You have to register online to attend.