We, the undersigned students, faculty, and staff, strongly urge the University of Maryland to enact a good samaritan policy that encourages students to call the paramedics in the event of medical emergencies by updating the existing limited Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergencies Policy. Although the current policy protects students in the event of an alcohol overdose, it overlooks other drugs which are also present in the college environment; thus, students are still deterred from calling for help in potential drug overdose situations because they are afraid of being punished under the university’s drug policies, and each minute spent panicking about potential consequences of calling could mean the difference between a student's life and death. The University of Maryland should bring itself in line with many of the top universities in the country by guaranteeing judicial amnesty to students who have the good sense to call for help when it is needed. This would save students’ lives and promote health, safety, and responsibility on campus.

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