"It's not an automatic freebie or anything" but "there is something called prosecutorial discretion. You take a good Samaritan where you can find one, especially when the difference is between saving a life and not saving a life."

In addition to the billboards, Anderson has been doing radio spots encouraging people to do the right thing.

"Don't put your life — or the life of your friends — on the line. If you hang out with people who do drugs, think now before you are faced with the situation. Decide now that if you are with someone who overdoses you will call 911 or get the person to an emergency room immediately. If you don't help, you will have to live with the decision the rest of your life," Anderson said in a statement. "You don't need to identify yourself when you call for life-saving medical assistance for someone who has overdosed."

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com