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Ohio's New Good Samaritan Law Is Expected To Save Lives

Cindy Koumoutzis, Advocate for OhioCAN (anti drug abuse group) and Mother of recovering drug addict
Jo Ingles
Cindy Koumoutzis, Advocate for OhioCAN (anti drug abuse group) and Mother of recovering drug addict

A new bill signed into law provides some limited immunity for bystanders who witness an overdose and try to help save drug users’ lives.

Cindy Koumoutzis called 9-1-1 when her daughter was overdosing. But the North Canton mom says she told the emergency operator to cancel that call once her daughter was revived.

“Because I do not want to be charged, I don’t want my daughter charged and this is my place of residence.”

Koumoutzis says this newly signed so called “Good Samaritan” law would protect family members and friends who need to seek help for someone who has overdosed. Nearly three dozen states now have some version of this law on the books.

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau. To see more, visit The Statehouse News Bureau.

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.