On July 20, 2011, Governor Cuomo signed a “Good Samaritan” law, designed to encourage individuals to call 911 for help in an alcohol or other drug emergency.
The primary reason people do not call 911 in the event of an overdose is fear of getting arrested. The law protects people who witness an overdose, suffer one, and those who call 911 from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted for possession of drugs/paraphernalia or under-age alcohol possession.
In believing that there is great value in this law and in making sure students know that we hold student safety and well-being as the highest priority, SUNY Broome will NOT bring conduct charges against those seeking assistance for someone in need of medical attention if they are in possession of drugs or alcohol.
This law does not protect against arrest, charge, or prosecution for other offenses, such as drug trafficking. For more information visit New York State’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program website.
