"Good Samaritan" policy called for
Justin Lafferty
The group advocates a more rehabilitation-focused process for student drug users. Randy Hencken, a graduate student in the School of Communication and former president of the SDSU SSDP chapter, was the main speaker. He called for the university to create a "Good Samaritan" policy for illegal substances, so that students can have a safe place to get help instead of keeping quiet out of fear.
Members from "A New PATH" (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) and the Drug Policy Alliance also were on hand to speak.
Hencken spoke in front of 77 plastic folding chairs to represent the 75 students who have been arrested in the drug bust and the two students who passed away while under the influence of illegal substances - Jennifer Poliakoff and Kurt Baker.
"Seventy-seven students are gone from campus, but we must ask ourselves, 'Has drug abuse left the campus as a result?'" Hencken said. "SDSU should instead pursue effective alternatives that actually address drug abuse problems, including overdose.
"Good Samaritan policies are such an example. These policies, which are being adopted by colleges with increasing frequency, protect students who call for help during overdose emergencies. It is a policy that has been proven to save lives."
Hencken noted that "Good Samaritan" policies such as the one in place at Cornell University in New York have "dramatically increased the amount of 9-1-1 calls related to overdoses."
Many students, who gathered around to hear the conference, agreed with Hencken and want to see more rehabilitation for student drug users.
"It's not like there's going to be no repercussions for these kids," public administration junior Monica Alnes said. "The issue is rehab and really educating everyone about it and keeping the channels open. I think (students) have the fear of 'The Man' in them, and they don't want to say anything. People don't understand that throwing them in jail is just adding to the number of (people) that aren't getting help, aren't getting rehab, and it's basically becoming a mounting financial problem for our country."
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Craig
posted 5/07/08 @ 3:43 PM PST
The majority of the 75 arrested students were involved with selling and distribution. They were in it for profit, not because they are addicts. They're a bunch of arrogant frat boys that were in it for the money and didn't think they'd ever get caught. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 5/08/08 @ 9:44 AM PST
Oh please...I for one am glad there will be 75 less addicts going to my campus. This pathetic attitude of rationalizing and making excuses for drug dealers and drug users is astounding. (Continued…)
LT
posted 5/08/08 @ 1:21 PM PST
What would the harm be in instituting a Good Samaritan policy? I'm assuming this means that if your friend is overdosing you don't have to think twice that you or your friend will get in trouble if you call an ambulance. (Continued…)
Matt SDSU
posted 5/08/08 @ 9:27 PM PST
Selling, trafficking, and distribution is not addiction. It is preying on the addicted. Every person arrested and all those who will be in the future deserve everything they get and should be severe. (Continued…)
Jimmy J. Carter
posted 5/09/08 @ 5:48 PM PST
Enough with the hateful, negative comments. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to realize that the U.S. drug policy is a massive failure. Time to stop filling our jails with drug abusers and put the money in to prevention and treatment instead. (Continued…)
bird.lavonne
posted 5/29/08 @ 11:12 AM PST
What would the harm be in instituting a Good Samaritan policy? I'm assuming this means that if your friend is overdosing you don't have to think twice. (Continued…)
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