The New York Police Department is launching a public service announcement and paid advertising campaign to raise awareness of the New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law.
The campaign will target social media and large mass transit transportation hubs across the city including but not limited to, subways, buses, and ferries.
The roll out of this campaign will be focused on the 30 precincts where drug-related overdoses and deaths from overdoses are highest.
The campaign will also be tailored to each community based on language and demographics.
The New York Police Department, with support from the New York City Police Foundation, is launching the campaign to:
- Increase awareness of New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law
- Increase the public’s communication with first responders
- And, most importantly, to save lives
(The New York Police Department, with support from the New York City Police Foundation, is launching the campaign. Courtesy of the NYPD and YouTube)
New York State’s 911 Good Samaritan Law seeks to reduce the number of overdose deaths by encouraging people who either experience or observe a potentially fatal overdose to call 911 to seek help.
In 2016, 1,374 people died from overdose deaths in New York City, more than any other year on record.
Every seven hours a New Yorker dies from an overdose.
82 percent of those overdose deaths—1,123—involved an opioid.
More New Yorkers died from heroin and opioid overdoses last year than from car accidents, homicides, and suicides combined. (Source: NYC OCME and DOHMH)
“This campaign will help New Yorkers understand the protections of the Good Samaritan law for those suffering from an overdose or calling to help someone in need,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill.
“This is about saving lives. And this campaign will do just that.”
Last year, a New Yorker died of overdose every seven hours,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett.
“Calling 911 as soon as possible when you witness an overdose can make the difference between a life saved and a life lost. I thank the NYPD for spreading the word about the Good Samaritan Law so more New Yorkers know they are protected when they call 911.”
“As the number of opioid overdoses continue to increase, everyone should be aware of the effects of a potentially fatal overdose,” said FDNY Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.
“Our first responders – Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Paramedics rigorously train to provide pre-hospital care for patients – but with additional public awareness through this campaign, we can all play a part in preventing additional potential overdoses in our communities to save lives.”
“Since its founding, the New York City Police Foundation has supported public safety initiatives that help strengthen the relationship between New Yorkers and law enforcement, and the Good Samaritan Law does just that,” said Susan Birnbaum, New York City Police Foundation President and CEO.
“It is crucial that residents know about the Good Samaritan Law so they are not in any way deterred from reporting an overdose, and we are proud to support the NYPD’s efforts to raise awareness throughout New York City.”
