Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2005
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Section: Pg A12
Copyright: 2005 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.madison.com/wsj/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: Stephanie Rearick

LET AMNESTY ENCOURAGE OVERDOSE TREATMENT

If a drug user overdoses, friends and fellow drug users should be 
encouraged to take the patient to medical treatment without fear of 
prosecution.

The Progressive Dane Drug Policy Task Force has worked for years to 
find a way for law enforcement officials to offer amnesty to 
individuals who seek medical assistance when a friend, often a fellow 
intravenous drug user, is experiencing an overdose.

Our concern is the circumstance in which people don't seek medical 
attention, because of fear of prosecution, and let others die.

In a perfect world, individuals would always put saving a life over 
fear of personal consequences. But as we know, it's not a perfect 
world. In a situation where the people present are using intravenous 
drugs, it's hard to expect them to have clear heads about what to do 
in an emergency.

Reasonable people can easily question the decisions made by Madison 
resident Scott Roberts leading up to the point at which his 
girlfriend overdosed on March 5. But, after the overdose, Roberts' 
decision to take his girlfriend to the emergency room was the right one.

Unfortunately, this effort led to scrutiny by law enforcement 
officials. Roberts is now facing a $35,000 fine and up to 18 1/2years 
in prison on a charge of delivering heroin, a controlled substance. 
His girlfriend has been charged with possession of heroin, likely to 
help encourage her to provide information about Roberts.

Our law enforcement officials continually reassure us that saving 
lives is their utmost priority. They claim that they almost never 
prosecute people who call 911 or otherwise seek medical attention in 
case of an overdose. But then a case like this comes along and 
"almost never" means nothing. Drug users see these events and realize 
that, yes, they are putting themselves in danger when they seek 
medical attention for their friends.

Our law enforcement officers and local prosecutors need to make a 
policy that codifies the importance of saving lives over the 
importance of busting drug users. Many communities around the world 
are employing harm-reduction measures in regard to drug policy, often 
with great success.

For example, communities providing prescription heroin to drug 
addicts are not only helping to dry up the illicit markets that 
continually recruit new customers but also preventing the spread of 
HIV and hepatitis C.

We can take a simple baby step toward prioritizing public health by 
making a policy that tells users that, no matter what the 
circumstances, the act of helping to save a life will not be punished.

Rearick is co-chair of the Progressive Dane Drug Policy Task Force.
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