Overdose charge causes concern

The recent arrest of a man after a call for assistance for a drug overdose (Overdose leads to drug charges, Sept. 6) causes me great concern.

As in heart attacks, in such cases survival is dependent on a quick response. Yet unlike other health emergencies, people hesitate to call at an overdose situation. They may fear arrest, loss of child custody, and judgment by others, among other things.

The response in this case either a punitive attitude or ignorance on the part of the police. It may not only lead to more overdose deaths, but it will also serve as a deterrent to seeking other services which may identify people as drug users.

Harm-reduction policies must encompass a wide array of responses that include not only non-punitive and fast responses to drug overdose, the provision of clean needles, drug/opiate treatment and assessable, non-judgmental services for all seeking assistance, but also co-operation from a wide range of sectors including the police and medical services that assure that drug users will not be investigated, surveilled or apprehended when seeking services.

News that someone has been arrested after a phone call for help will spread like wildfire in the community and the effect will likely be felt immediately. We can only hope that more education will take place among law enforcement. Kathy Donovan, Regina