Opioid overdoses continue to claim lives across Ontario, with the crisis hitting communities like Thunder Bay hard. The statistics don’t tell the full story of the heartache felt by families and friends affected by overdose-related deaths. Fear of police involvement can sometimes cause hesitation when it comes to calling 911 during an overdose emergency. However, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) is in place to encourage people to take action without fear of certain drug-related charges.
Protection Under the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The GSDOA provides legal protection for individuals in possession of drugs for personal use who call 911 during an overdose. The law aims to remove the barrier of fear for those who hesitate to seek emergency help because they are worried about criminal charges.
If you call 911, the law protects you from:
- Being charged with possessing drugs for your own use.
- Facing consequences for violating conditions related to parole, bail, probation, or conditional sentences if those conditions are related to simple drug possession.
However, it’s important to understand that this protection is not all-encompassing.
The law does not protect you from:
- Charges related to trafficking or distributing illegal drugs.
- Non-drug-related offences.
- Outstanding arrest warrants.
- Violating conditions related to more serious offences, such as those unrelated to drug possession.
The OPP’s Commitment to Educating the Public
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has committed to spreading awareness about the GSDOA to ensure that more lives are saved. They have developed posters, information cards, and community safety videos to inform the public and community agencies about the act.
“By calling 911 in the event of an overdose, you could literally be saving a life. The OPP understands the value of the protections afforded in the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act and has embedded it into its policies for responding to overdose-related calls for service,” explains Inspector Tyler Sturgeon, Commander of the OPP East Algoma Detachment.
Breaking Down Barriers and Saving Lives
Many hesitate to call 911 when drugs are involved, fearing the legal consequences. The GSDOA is an essential piece of legislation aimed at saving lives, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to prioritize safety over fear of criminal charges.
In Inspector Sturgeon’s words: “Take the time to learn about and understand this important piece of legislation and tell others about it as well. If you need support in treating addiction, there is help available to you. Reach out to one of our many community counselling agencies for assistance. If you don’t know where to start, they can help you access treatment.”
By educating yourself about the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, you could be the person who steps up to save a life when it’s most needed.
Resources
You can find more information about the GSDOA and available resources by visiting OPP social media accounts or speaking with local community counselling agencies for addiction treatment options.
