Georgia Overdose Prevention is a grassroots organization formed to create and advocate for the passage of the Georgia 911 Medical Amnesty Law. Signed into law by Governor Deal on 4/24/2014, this common-sense law, sponsored by Representative Sharon Cooper and Senator Renee Unterman, provides protection for people who call 911 seeking medical assistance for a drug or alcohol-related overdose. The caller and the overdose victim cannot be arrested, charged or prosecuted for small amounts of drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia if the evidence is obtained as a result of seeking medical assistance. The law also increases access to the opioid overdose "antidote" naloxone (Narcan). Doctors may prescribe naloxone to anyone in a position to assist a person at risk of opioid overdose, and to first responders, harm reduction organizations, and pain management clinics. Pharmacists are permitted to dispense naloxone. Doctors, pharmacists, and people administering naloxone are immune from criminal, civil, and professional liability as long as they act in good faith and in compliance with the applicable standard of care. Timely administration of naloxone typically reverses respiratory depression from heroin and opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and other opiates and opioids. Victims of opioid overdoses who receive naloxone in time are less likely to die or suffer long-term brain and tissue damage. Inspired by the lives that have already been saved since the passage of the law, Georgia Overdose Prevention is now focused on education, implementation, and development of resources for Georgia's 911 Medical Amnesty Law. Ultimately, our goal is to save lives.
