ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A St. Louis County man is on a mission to save lives by pushing a new law in Missouri that could reduce drug overdose deaths. But the same law would also allow some drug users to avoid criminal charges.
Last year Chad Sabora helped create a law that put Narcan, a drug that stops an overdose in progress, into the hands of first responders. This year he says a 911 Good Samaritan Law is his priority.
"The 911 Good Samaritan law would grant limited immunity from prosecution for possession of drugs and paraphernalia if someone calls for help when they're witnessing an overdose," said Sabora, a recovering heroin addict who's been clean for over three years. "This law is not in place to protect any drug dealers or anything like that, which has been a concern."
Sabora says drug users tend to get high together, but they often hesitate to call 911 when a friend overdoses.
"People leave bodies, they dump bodies, they run, they're scared. There's no excuse for that behavior, but that's our reality because it happens."
Nobody called for help the night 21-year-old Kevin Arbini overdosed on heroin in 2009.
"He was found dead in a friend's basement," Kevin's mom, Kathi Arbini, said.
For years Kathi has dealt with the pain of losing her only child.
"Nobody should have to bury their child," she said.
Arbini is now joining forces with Sabora to support the 911 Good Samaritan Law.
"Kevin was dead, according to the coroner, for more than 15 hours before the police were called. So I think if this 911 bill would have been passed, if they would've called and no questions asked of them they could have helped Kevin and saved his life," Arbini said.
Republican Bryan spencer of Wentzville has already filed House Bill 236 in the Missouri House of Representatives. Similar laws exist in 23 other states, including Illinois. But sabora says it won't pass in Missouri, a state battling a heroin surge, without the help of people who care.
"What we're asking everyone who's watching the news tonight to do is call and email your representatives and senators and let them know you support 911 Good Samaritan," said Sabora.
The 2015 legislative session will be Sabora's third attempt at getting the 911 Good Samaritan law passed. In 2013 the bill was filed too late and last year it stalled.
