A 911 CALL FOR OVERDOSE VICTIMS

I was relieved to read that Scott Sheldon, who chose not to call 911 when
trying to help a heroin overdose victim, was recently acquitted of all
charges brought by the Howard County district attorney's office [Metro,
Sept. 2]. Now that Mr. Sheldon can resume his life, it is time to take a
closer look at what his case reveals about America's public policy toward
overdose.

Approximately two-thirds of injection drug users report that they have
witnessed a friend's overdose. Tragically, 75 percent also report that the
last time that they witnessed an overdose they did not call 911 for fear of
being arrested. Apparently in Howard County, users now also face
prosecution if they do not call 911.

What is the purpose of our public policy? Is it to punish addicts? Or are
we seeking to prevent the tragic deaths of young people? If we want to
minimize overdose fatalities, shouldn't we make it safe for people to call
paramedics in an effort to save a life? Certainly, if we plan to prosecute
individuals who do not seek help, we are obligated to guarantee that they
will not be arrested when fulfilling their civic duty.

Benjamin Linas, Research Associate, The Lindesmith Center, Drug Policy
Foundation, New York