HEATH LEDGER'S TRAGIC OVERDOSE DEATH AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT OTHERS

Heath Ledger's haunting role as the Joker in the new Batman film, "The
Dark Knight," hit the screens nationwide last weekend. The critics
have been raving about Heath's "dark" Joker performance and there is
already buzz that he might win an Oscar for the role
posthumously.

Until very recently, I lived down the block from Heath Ledger and his
wife, Michelle Williams, in Brooklyn. I found myself hit hard by the
news of Ledger's accidental overdose death and continue to be
disturbed every time I see photos of him, either out of costume or in
his role of the Joker. I often used to see Ledger and Williams walking
around the neighborhood with their young daughter. It is heartbreaking
to think about that young girl never again being able to spend time
with her father.

While tens of millions now have heard of Heath's tragic death, far
fewer are aware of America's overdose epidemic. Accidental deaths from
illegal and increasingly from legal drugs have doubled in the past
decade. An estimated 22,000 Americans died last year alone from
accidental overdoses, second only to motor-vehicle accidents. More
people died of accidental overdoses in New York last year than from
murder. Yet our government spends not a single federal penny on
overdose prevention.

Fortunately, some states are taking the initiative and deciding to do
something about these preventable deaths. Chicago, Philadelphia, New
York, Boston and other cities are starting to make available Narcan,
an opiate antagonist that immediately and reliably reverses drug
overdoses and saves the lives of drug users. This life-saving medicine
has already saved thousands of lives and returned loved ones to their
families and friends.

Another way states and elected officials can save lives is by passing
"911 Good Samaritan" immunity legislation. Most overdose deaths happen
in witness of others. If someone calls 911 right away, most people can
be saved. Tragically, too many people don't call 911 because they fear
arrest and prosecution for drug law violations. This leaves people in
the situation of deciding between saving a life and keeping themselves
from being arrested.

New Mexico broke ground last year when the state legislature passed
and Gov. Bill Richardson signed the first "911 Good Samaritan" law
that provides immunity from arrest to witnesses of overdose who summon
emergency services. It should never be a crime to call 911 to save a
life. Now New York, Maryland, California and other states are
considering similar legislation.

In June, the United States Conference of Mayors USCM adopted a
resolution that sets forth a comprehensive strategy for cities and
states to reduce overdose morbidity and mortality by supporting local
programs that distribute naloxone directly to drug users, their
friends, families and communities and urging state governments to
adopt emergency "Good Samaritan" policies. Adopted resolutions become
the official policy of the USCM, which speaks as one voice to promote
best practices and the most pressing priorities of our nation's cities.

There is nothing we can do to bring back the life of Heath Ledger, but
we can learn from the tragedy and pass compassionate and sensible
legislation to save thousands of others like him.