Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes and Understanding of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act in BC Jessica Xavier & Amiti Mehta

TEAM: Jane Buxton, Jessica Xavier, Amiti Mehta, Alissa Greer, Alexis Crabtree, Sarah Ferencz In 2017, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA) was passed to encourage bystanders to call 9-1-1 in the event of an overdose by providing legal protection for charges relating to simple drug possession. As part of a mixed-methods evaluation assessing knowledge and attitudes regarding the GSDOA, we conducted interviews with police. Findings suggest that police recognize overdose as a medical issue yet many officers had limited knowledge of the Act. Questions regarding the GSDOA were added to the harm reduction client survey. Findings indicate that 54% were aware of the Act and, of these, 45% and 61%, respectively, had a full understanding of when and to whom the Act provides protection. The findings from this study point to gaps in knowledge and highlight factors that may impact willingness to call 9-1-1.

BC CDC Presenters

10/14/2020 6:30:00 PM