Suffolk County Legislature Supports NYS 911 Good Samaritan Bills

(Smithtown, NY) All 18 Suffolk County legislators have signed a letter addressed to Governor Paterson and the Long Island delegation asking for their support in passing legislation (S-5191A/A-8147A) and signing it into law, which would provide a limited exemption from prosecution for individuals calling for medical assistance in response to a drug or alcohol overdose. The letter states, “While we in the Suffolk County Legislature certainly recognize the importance of enforcing state and local laws, we believe that additional consideration must be given when it comes to preventing needless deaths.” This effort was spearheaded by Legislator Lynne C. Nowick who read a letter from the parents of the late Natalie Ciappa who believe their daughter would be alive today if someone had called 911 instead of cleaning the room. In addition, representatives from about 30 organizations attended the press conference to lend their support. According to Legislator Nowick, “A 911 Good Samaritan Law has been enacted in Texas, Colorado and New Jersey and we need one in New York to save a life.”

Caption: Pictured at the press conference are Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick (center) and from left, Legislators Vivian Viloria-Fisher, Thomas Cilmi and DuWayne Gregory.