Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the Minnesota Legislature unanimously passed the Minnesota 911 Good Samaritan Naloxone bill. The bill will allow our first responders to use Naloxone which is effective in saving the life of someone overdosing on heroin or opiates. I joined several other legislators from both sides of the aisle to co-author this important life-saving legislation.
It is often referred to as Steve’s Law; I also like to think of it as Erik’s Law and Nick’s Law. Too many in our community have a loved one, friend or neighbor to whom we can also dedicate this law. I am so pleased this bill gained broad bipartisan support and passed 130-0. We came together to save lives and grieve for those who have lost a loved one or friend to a heroin or opiate overdose.
The legislation allows first responders - police officers, deputy sheriffs and social service/community-based health workers - to administer a drug that would counteract the effects of a heroin or opiate overdose. Naloxone is an FDA-approved drug that rapidly reduces the effects of an overdose primarily by restoring healthy breathing levels. The bill creates limited immunity for people who call 911 for help and to those who administer the life saving drug.
As we passed this 911 Good Samaritan Law, I did it in remembrance of those we have lost to heroin overdoses in our community and to all the families and friends who miss them so much. Together, we can feel hopeful for the lives that can be saved because our first responders have this important tool. Thank you to the law enforcement and first responders for protecting our community and our kids. Passing this bill will allow them to further protect loved ones and save more lives.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative, District 41A