EPISODE · Jun 2, 2026 · 10 MIN
How a new bill protecting 'Good Samaritans' could save lives
from Afternoons
The parents of a young man who died in a drugs related incident are backing a law change that they believe could have saved their son Jacob's life. The Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill is currently being considered by the Health Committee, with submissions closing on Tuesday 16 June. If passed into law, this bill would legally protect those who call 111 for help. That protection would apply to the caller, the person needing help and anyone who stays at the scene to help. According to the Drug Foundation, similar laws overseas have reduced opioid overdose deaths by 10-15%. In Aotearoa that could mean 19-28 lives saved every year. Jacob's mum Shelley O'Dwyer joins Jesse alongside Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm.
What this episode covers
The parents of a young man who died in a drugs related incident are backing a law change that they believe could have saved their son Jacob's life. The Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill is currently being considered by the Health Committee, with submissions closing on Tuesday 16 June. If passed into law, this bill would legally protect those who call 111 for help. That protection would apply to the caller, the person needing help and anyone who stays at the scene to help. According to the Drug Foundation, similar laws overseas have reduced opioid overdose deaths by 10-15%. In Aotearoa that could mean 19-28 lives saved every year. Jacob's mum Shelley O'Dwyer joins Jesse alongside Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm.
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How a new bill protecting 'Good Samaritans' could save lives
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