Every day, newspaper articles in New Jersey describe the escalating use and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs across the state. It's being called a public health crisis reaching epidemic proportions.
According to the state's Drug Policy Alliance, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death - above car accidents. In fact, since 2004, nearly 6,000 residents have died of an overdose. And the state's medical examiner reports that nearly half of drug related deaths are due to prescription drug abuse. So many of these overdose deaths are preventable.
This past May, Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation known as the Good Samaritan Law. The law protects witnesses and victims of drug overdose from arrest, charge, prosecution, conviction, and revocation of parole or probation for possession or use of illegal drugs. By doing so, it removes the "fear factor" for friends, family members and strangers to call 911 and get help. Many overdoses can be treated with swift medical intervention.
It's critical that we get the word out. Too many lives are at risk. Save a life. Don't think twice. In the case of an overdose, call 911 immediately.
New Jersey Department of Human Services