This is a very complicated issue but there are ways that you can help make a difference to combat this crisis. Educating yourself and others is the most important. In all but three states, there is now a 911 Medical Amnesty Law known more commonly as the Good Samaritan Law. This law gives temporary immunity to anyone who calls 911 to seek help for a person who is overdosing on drugs. If you witness someone overdosing, the first thing you need to do is dial 911. Stay on the scene and you and the person who is overdosing will not be arrested. This applies to small amounts of drugs on the scene, paraphernalia, and probation or parole violations. This law is incredible and was made in hopes of saving lives. It has saved many. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about it. It is very important to let people who are at-risk of witnessing an overdose about this law. Another important thing is Naloxone. Naloxone is the anti-dote to opiate overdoses. Similar to the scene in Pulp Fiction, Naloxone can be administered and the peron’s life will be saved. Naloxone is getting easier and easier to obtain. Go to your state’s Harm Reduction Coalition to find out how you can get one. I recommend everyone to carry one at all times. I have a backpack that I carry around with me all day and I have 2 doses in it. I hope to never have to use it, but I am glad to be prepared.

The solution to this crisis lies within communities coming together from all angles. If the city leaders, police, school, church, students and parents can all come together with compassion and understanding regarding substance use and addiction then we will have a better chance of saving lives. We must end the stigma associated with substance use. This is one of the main objectives that our team will be executing during our walk.