Call 911 for overdoses

It is encouraging to see that the public is recognizing the dangers of drug overdose and is willing to take efforts to ensure that overdose is treated medically. Unfortunately, the very root of the problem (i.e., reticence to call 911 for fear of punishment) is only exacerbated by punitive legislative bills. While we are in total agreement with Ms. Moss (Readers' Forum, Dec. 28) that it should be a strong social norm to call 911 when someone is overdosing, we feel that a more evidence-based response is one that has been utilized in cities throughout the United States: a campaign to make it safe to call 911. We would like to invite any families interested in our state's overdoses to a community forum to discuss just such responses. The forum will take place on Jan. 10, 7 p.m. on the University of Utah campus. Information is available from www.harmredux.org or by calling 355-0234.

Luciano Colonna

executive director

Harm Reduction Project