Writer / Kara Reibel
A teenager is at a party with friends, drinks in excess and passes out. His friends freak out, afraid they would get into trouble with their parents or the law, so they all flee the scene. As a result of not receiving any medical assistance, their friend dies. This scenario has played out over and over again—in fact, since 2004, 21 Indiana kids under the age of 21 have lost their lives to alcohol poisoning.
It unfortunately takes horrible statistics such as these in order to save the lives of others. As a result of these young Hoosier lives lost, and many others across the country, states are passing laws to encourage the necessary call for help, allowing immunity to those who contact the authorities.
Senator Jim Merritt is at the forefront of this movement with the laws he has written to protect the lives of teens who have made foolish choices—deadly choices, in many cases. “If these kids could reach out and call for help for someone who has made a mistake, lives would be saved, lessons learned…and hopefully eliminating the tragic outcome if help is not sought,” states Senator Merritt.
These preventable circumstances are only made worse when someone is afraid to seek help. The Lifeline Law removes these hurdles to encourage seeking help with the goal of avoiding tragedies. As taken from the website indianalifeline.org, the Lifeline Law provides immunity for the crimes of public intoxication, minor possession, minor consumption, and minor transport to persons who reveal themselves to law enforcement while seeking medical assistance for a person suffering from an alcohol-related health emergency.
In order to receive immunity, individuals must demonstrate that they are acting in good faith by completing ALL of the following: (1) provide their full name and any other relevant information requested by law enforcement officers, (2) remain on the scene until law enforcement and emergency medical assistance arrives, and (3) cooperate with authorities on the scene.
The law will not interfere with law enforcement procedures or limit the ability to prosecute for other criminal offenses such as providing to a minor, operating while intoxicated, or possession of a controlled substance.
Effective July 1, 2014, the law was expanded to allow immunity for those individuals who are underage and under the influence while reporting certain crimes. Removing disincentives will hopefully save more lives by reporting incidents without prosecution concerns for those calling 911. “We want kids to do the right thing and make a good decision,” says Senator Merritt.
Michele Whelchel of Indiana Youth Services has been working with the senator to aid in the awareness campaign of this law under Make Good Decisions. “Indiana Youth Services Association is honored to help in the awareness of this life-saving law. Make Good Decisions strives to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of underage drinking and destructive behaviors, and the Indiana Lifeline Law,” states Whelchel.
Senator Merritt consults with other legislators across the country, encouraging similar legislation modeled after Indiana’s statute. “Alcohol-related teen deaths happen everywhere: the goal is prevention. If we can’t prevent kids from underage drinking, we need to provide a literal life-line when they get into trouble with drinking,” says Senator Merritt.
Education is the key. Teens need to know about the law, and understand that if/when they are placed in a compromising position, there is help available. This help is designed to protect them and to save lives. It’s time to make the call and save a life.
Learn more at indianalifeline.org and indysb.org
