The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have reached out to universities and colleges across the province to partner with them on their awareness campaign for the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
The act, which was signed into federal law in May 2017, provides some legal protection for individuals who call 9-1-1 to get help for themselves or someone suffering from a drug overdose.
The act provides protection from charges related to:
- possessing drugs for personal use; and
- violating conditions of parole, bail, probation or a conditional sentence for a simple drug possession charge.
Health Canada has declared the use of opioids to be a national health crisis that does not discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a drug overdose should call 9-1-1 and York Security Services at 416-736-5333. The University’s security officials are trained to provide emergency first aid, including administering naloxone, which experts have indicated can be used safely in response to an opioid overdose. Security officials follow a recommended protocol, which means they would contact EMS immediately in that type of health emergency.
The University provides resources and information to help community members who may be affected by substance use. To learn more, visit the Understanding Opioids website.
York University is committed to positive well-being for all community members. Resources are available on campus as well as in the community to help individuals achieve positive well-being.
For a list of resources, visit the Mental Health & Wellness website.