Pubdate: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 Source: Washington Post (DC) Copyright: 2000 The Washington Post Company Contact: 1150 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20071 Feedback: http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/edit/letters/letterform.htm Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ Author: Benjamin Linas A 911 CALL FOR OVERDOSE VICTIMS I was relieved to read that Scott Sheldon, who chose not to call 911 when trying to help a heroin overdose victim, was recently acquitted of all charges brought by the Howard County district attorney's office [Metro, Sept. 2]. Now that Mr. Sheldon can resume his life, it is time to take a closer look at what his case reveals about America's public policy toward overdose. Approximately two-thirds of injection drug users report that they have witnessed a friend's overdose. Tragically, 75 percent also report that the last time that they witnessed an overdose they did not call 911 for fear of being arrested. Apparently in Howard County, users now also face prosecution if they do not call 911. What is the purpose of our public policy? Is it to punish addicts? Or are we seeking to prevent the tragic deaths of young people? If we want to minimize overdose fatalities, shouldn't we make it safe for people to call paramedics in an effort to save a life? Certainly, if we plan to prosecute individuals who do not seek help, we are obligated to guarantee that they will not be arrested when fulfilling their civic duty. Benjamin Linas, Research Associate, The Lindesmith Center, Drug Policy Foundation, New York - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D