
Opioid overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Rhode Island, claiming the lives of 239 Rhode Islanders in 2014. The Good Samaritan law, which protects some people from arrest if they call 911 in the event of an overdose, is due to expire on July 1, 2015. The Senate unanimously passed an expanded version of the Good Samaritan law, but the House Judiciary Committee passed a restricted version that will deter many people from calling 911 in a medical emergency.
Speakers will include:
Michelle McKenzie, MPH - Research Associate at the Brown Department of Medicine, Director of Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention
Dr. Josiah Rich, MD, MPH - Professor of Medicine and Community Health at Brown Medical School, Director and co-founder of The Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights
Dr. James Crowley, MD - Former president of the Rhode Island Medical Society, Professor emeritus of medicine at Brown University
Rebecca Nieves McGoldrick - Executive director of Protect Families First
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Nieves McGoldrick
Executive Director of Protect Families First
908-399-1366 or rmcgoldrick@protectfamiliesfirst.org