With the United States in the midst of an opioid epidemic, community members are often the first responders during an overdose and can help an overdose victim while emergency services from 911 are on the way. People who download UnityPhilly can send an emergency signal if they experience or witness an overdose. Also, everyone with UnityPhilly can respond to an emergency signal and bring naloxone to an overdose event. Sending an emergency overdose will automatically send a call to 911 to dispatch an ambulance to the scene. Pennsylvania’s Act 139 (the “Good Samaritan Law”) allows any citizen in the state to receive and carry naloxone (Narcan®), a medication that temporarily blocks the effects of opioids and stops an overdose. The law protects Good Samaritans who respond to overdoses. The UnityPhilly app helps people who carry naloxone respond to an overdose emergency. This app is being tested in Philadelphia as part of a study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The app will only work if you are an enrolled member of the study population. If you want more information once the app is available for general use, email [email protected]. For more information on the app, UnityPhilly, the overdose crisis, or what you can do, visit UnityPhilly.org
Please note:
Coverage is dependent on your mobile phone’s network and GPS connection.
This application is not intended to replace nor is it connected to your local emergency service providers.
Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.