Voorhees committee members support 911 Good Samaritan Act

Despite Gov. Christie’s verdict vetoing the act, Voorhees Township committee members, after a resolution, continue to support the 911 Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act.

A Voorhees resident recommended the resolution.

“I think it’s a good thing, and I applaud organizations and the people supporting that program,” Deputy Mayor Mario DiNatale said.

The committee decided to oppose Christie’s decision to veto the act in hopes to “encourage residents to call for emergency medical assistance on behalf of the inflicted individual,” the resolution said.

According to the Good Samaritan Act, “any Good Samaritan rendering care (in good faith without thought of consideration) at the scene of an accident or emergency or while transporting the victim” is granted immunity from liability.

The act disregards individuals who are determined to be involved in “gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct.”

According to a statement posted on Drug Policy Alliance’s (DPA’s) webpage, New Jersey residents who lost a loved one to a drug overdose are demanding the Legislature override Christie’s decision to veto the act, which would offer protection for people who call for help for someone who has overdosed on drugs.

Approximately 97 deaths werereported in Camden County, and 752 people died from drug overdoses in the state in 2009, DPA’s website said.

The Assembly passed the bill in May by a vote of 67–8 with one member not voting and four abstentions, according to Gov. Christie’s page on the State of New Jersey website. In October, the Senate passed the Assembly’s draft by a vote of 21–10, with nine not voting.

However, Christie vetoed the bill until the attorney general completes an 18-month study. The study will report findings relating to overdose reports as well as recommended changes to the bill.

Christie said the original drafted bill “fails to carefully consider all the interests that must be balanced when crafting immunities to the protections provided in our criminal laws.”

According to the DPA website, surrounding towns such as Maple Shade, Haddon Heights, Magnolia, Audubon and Camden are a part of 10 municipalities supporting the act, including Voorhees.

Alice Silverman, a resident of Maple Shade, lost her son to a drug overdose. She thanked the council for supporting the act.

Committeeman Michael Friedman agreed with DiNatale and planned to approve the resolution.

“When you think about saving a life, that’s the most important thing,” he said.

Ten states have already enacted the Good Samaritan Act, and residents like Silverman and Voorhees resident, Susan “Sue” D’Ambrosio want New Jersey to be next.

D’Ambrosio lost her 19-year-old son, Mark, on Feb. 12, 2010, to an accidental drug overdose. She proposed the committee place the resolution supporting the Good Samaritan Act on the agenda.

“I don’t think Christie understands how important it is for parents,” said D’Ambrosio. “He really needs to read it over thoroughly to realize what this bill is really about. It’s not about drug dealers getting a pass.”

D’Ambrosio said although her son was found alone, she knows of others who experienced a similar loss, but had friends with them.

Individuals who lost a child from a drug overdose should be the ones advocating for their town, she said.

Her son’s death inspired her to help other families.

“I am trying to make a difference,“ she said.