On Wednesday, June 18th, Nassau Legislator Denise Ford invites all residents to join the Legislator and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano for a ceremonial lighting of the dome at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola to bring awareness to overdose prevention and New York State’s “Good Samaritan” law.
The Good Samaritan law is designed to reduce preventable overdose deaths by encouraging people to call 911 if they witness a drug overdose, without fear of being arrested for drug possession. This policy seeks to encourage people to call 911 when witnessing or experiencing an alcohol or other drug overdose by providing a limited shield from charge and prosecution for possession of narcotics, marijuana, and for minors, alcohol. The policy also provides limited immunity from arrest when the witnesses who call 911 or an overdose victim possesses residual or very small amounts of drugs.
“It is very important that we bring awareness to both overdose prevention, and the Good Samaritan law,” said Legislator Ford. “If you witness a drug overdose, please call 911. You could save a life.” Legislator Ford invites all residents and community groups to attend this important event.
The ceremony will take place at 6:30 PM in the front of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building located at 1550 Franklin Avenue, in Mineola. For more information, please call (516) 571-6000.