We represent a group of social work graduate students, and we are writing in response to the Feb. 14 op-ed piece by Ricky Higgins, “Save people like my friend Madison – pass L.D. 1862.”

The story of Madison Graham’s death is tragic, but sadly it is not unique. Every year hundreds of people die from preventable opioid overdoses in the state of Maine. Ricky’s story illustrates the unintended consequences of our laws and law enforcement strategies. Those few moments that Ricky hesitated before calling 911, due to the fear that he would be arrested for a probation violation, were moments that Madison could not spare.

We appreciate the role of Maine’s law enforcement officers in conducting investigations into criminal activity and in making arrests to protect the common welfare, and it is not our object, nor is it the object of this bill, to unnecessarily hamper the efforts of Maine’s law enforcement.

But, in this instance, we feel that it is vital, to protect the life of an overdose victim, that we enact this legislation so that fewer people will die simply for the fear of arrest by bystanders. This act does not grant any immunity to the perpetrators of violent crime and we are confident that Maine law enforcement will be able to find and arrest drug traffickers under other circumstances.

The preservation of life should be our first duty. As the grim toll of the opioid epidemic continues to multiply it is essential that we use every tool at our disposal, not to arrest drug users, but to save lives. No one should die because of the fear of arrest by bystanders who could call emergency services or administer naloxone.

Jamie-Lynn Kane

Andrew Bradley

Alli O’Neil

Kessie Silas

Old Town