Gov. Baker, AG Healey Announce Campaign To Raise Awareness Of 911 Good Samaritan Law
BOSTON (CBS) -- Governor Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey announced a $250,000 campaign to remind people of Massachusetts' Good Samaritan law that could save the lives of people suffering drug overdoses.
"No one should die simply because a friend or a stranger is afraid to pick up the phone and call 911 for help," said Healey at a press conference at the State House Tuesday.
The law, signed in 2012, protects someone from being prosecuted if they simply dial 911 when they witness someone suffering from an overdose.
"The law provides protection to witnesses who seek medical assistance for someone--or themselves--who are experiencing a drug-related overdose," said Gov. Baker.
Recovering addict Caitrin Houlihan was invited by Baker and Healey to speak at a press conference Tuesday.
"I've overdosed multiple times," Houlihan said. "I've been left. I've had somebody leave me because they had warrants, and somebody else found me. I've overdosed at my mom's house, and she's called 911 a few times."
Houlihan, a single mom working two jobs, said she's trying to stay clean--which she's done for three years--and going to school.
"I'm ever so grateful for my mother," said Houlihan. "I worked the 12 steps in recovery, and I was able to make amends to my mom for the things that I put her through, so we have a great relationship today."
The new campaign includes ads on billboards and park benches to get the word out that people should not be afraid to seek help when they see an overdose.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
