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The Good Samaritan Law should drop its 2-call limit

Ohio has two crucial components for combating overdoses of heroin or other opioids. At least one critical change is needed to make them more effective.

One element is the availability of naloxone — sold under the brand name as Narcan — which can reverse the deadly effects of an opioid overdose.

Another piece is Ohio’s Good Samaritan law. Changes to the statute went into effect in September that mean a person who calls 911 to save someone from an overdose won’t be arrested or punished for minor drug offenses. That immunity extends to the person who is overdosing.

Yet, in a story in Monday’s edition, Seneca County EMS Director Ken Majors noted some people aren’t notifying emergency responders about overdoses for fear of criminal repercussions.

Perhaps some people are reluctant to call because they aren’t aware of the revisions to the Good Samaritan law. Or maybe they are aware of two provisions in it that could deter people from calling for help.

One provision states the immunity can only be used twice, and not by people on parole. The other states medical professionals can share the name and address of the person who overdosed with law enforcement officers.

The latter provision is meant to ensure the person who overdosed can be referred for treatment. That aspect makes sense, lest first responders adopt a “see you later” attitude when reviving someone with naloxone.

But we suspect most addicts are overdosing in the presence of other users. The two-call limit should be deleted by state legislators.

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