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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 5, 2024 01:41 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator John I. Kane |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Designating November 2024 as Good Samaritan Law Awareness Month |
| Drug overdose deaths are a tragedy. And the reality is that many of them are preventable. Over the past few years, I have heard from constituents about their own experiences with the opioid epidemic. This issue is not unique to the 9th Senatorial District. In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 5,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2023 according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 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. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PA General Assembly adopting this law. 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 2024 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 SR366
Memo Updated: September 5, 2024 01:42 PM