The amazing New York City organization VOCAL is campaigning for the NY Police Department to support New York's recent 911 Good Samaritan law by training officers and conducting community outreach. The law, which goes into effect on September 18, will provide protection against arrest or prosecution for illegal drug possession (including alcohol possession for minors) for people who call an ambulance in response to an overdose. Do you live in NYC? You can support VOCAL's campaign here. The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is pushing a similar 911 Good Samaritan bill in California, and has published an open letter to Governor Jerry Brown today. More information on DPA's work on overdose can be found here, including ways to get involved.
OPA editor Roxanne Saucier has an article on the Open Society Foundation's website on the "I'm the Evidence: Naloxone Works" video campaign organized by the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network and the Harm Reduction Coalition. Join the campaign's Facebook page here and have a look at OPA's explanation of how to contribute your own videos.
Music executive and DPA board member Jason Flom has a good op-ed in today's New York Post reflecting on overdose and the music industry. Have a look here.
The drugs, addiction and recovery magazine The Fix has a story on International Overdose Awareness Day, including links to events happening around the world.
Shawn Norton has a moving story about struggling with her daughter's overdose death and how she came to be involved in overdose prevention advocacy.
What did we miss? Please send OPA more news or your own thoughts on International Overdose Awareness Day and we'll be happy to post them.
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