What is the "Friends Don't Let Friends Die" program?


Knights of Columbus logoDPD patch

 

 

 

The "Friends Don't Let Friends Die" program was inspired by parents of overdose abandonment victims and was coordinated by the Duxbury Knights of Columbus with the help of the Duxbury Police and Duxbury Fire Departments. The Knights have been involved in bringing help to all people affected by the deadly scourge of addiction.

The primary focus of this program is distributing "Friends Don't Let Friends Die" information cards to students, parents, and others within our local communities. The cards offer steps to take in handling an overdose situation and how to avoid an overdose abandonment death. They are also designed to educate young people, parents, and the public about the State's overdose Good Samaritan law. The Good Samaritan law protects individuals from prosecution if they call for help for an overdosed friend instead of abandoning them out of fear of prosecution for drug use or possession.

No statistics are currently collected regarding the extent of the overdose abandonment problem, however, first responders see it as a common occurrence. Overdose abandonment unfortunately happens routinely and it is estimated that it contributes to 10-20% of overdose deaths. Disappointingly, due to the lack of education regarding the Good Samaritan law, we see overdose victims being left to die while their friends flee the scene out of fear of being arrested.

Duxbury Police, alongside other Town departments, will be distributing the cards (see below) in an effort to raise awareness and avoid future overdose abandonment related deaths. Please do your part in sharing the message to help battle the opioid crisis through education and awareness.

FDLFD Card - FrontFDLFD Card - Back

Friends dont let friends die program media event photo

Photo credit: Cooper Leonard

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