The American Civil Liberties Union is asking the city of Washington Court House to end the practice of charging drug users who are revived by emergency responders using an overdose antidote.
The ACLU'S Ohio Chapter says the practice is dangerous because it discourages people from calling for help when a loved one overdoses. Police in Washington Court House began citing people in February with a misdemeanor charge of inducing panic if responders revive them with naloxone.
The city says the strategy helps authorities track overdose victims and offer them help. The ACLU says 12 people have been charged so far. The people who call 911 are not charged.