Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have joined forces to introduce the bipartisan Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections (SEEK HELP) Act aimed at providing critical assistance to Americans during opioid overdoses.

Kennedy emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “In 2022 alone, about 1,400 Louisianians lost their lives to opioid overdoses. The SEEK HELP Act would get more Americans the life-saving treatment they need when they fall victim to an opioid overdose, and the Senate should pass it immediately.”

Booker echoed these sentiments, highlighting the devastating impact of the drug overdose crisis on communities nationwide. He asserted, “We can and must do more. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help combat this crisis, protect those seeking to help others, and ultimately save more lives.”

The SEEK HELP Act proposes significant measures to address the opioid epidemic, including creating civil liability protections for individuals administering opioid reversal drugs, offering criminal immunity to those seeking medical help for someone experiencing an overdose, and mandating a public awareness campaign by the Department of Health and Human Services to promote these liability protections.

Support for the bill has been garnered from various organizations including the National District Attorneys Association, Americans for Prosperity, Association for Prosecuting Attorneys, Due Process Institute, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, R Street, and Vera Institute. Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association, commended the legislation, stating, “The SEEK HELP Act is a significant stride in our battle against the opioid epidemic...Ultimately, the SEEK HELP Act enhances public safety and fosters healthier, more resilient communities.”

The SEEK HELP Act represents a bipartisan effort to combat the opioid crisis and provide crucial support to individuals in need.