By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorAs a teacher, Bryan Spencer saw how dangerous heroin could be when a student overdosed and died.As a state representative, he feels a proposed law could help those avoid a deadly mistake.Spencer, a Republican from Wentzville, has filed a bill called the Good Samaritan Law. If approved by state lawmakers, the proposal would protect those who call for help from being charged with drug possession charges.“We want to go after the people who are spreading drugs,” said Spencer, who represents the 63rd District encompassing the western St. Charles County and eastern Warren County. “It is designed to save a life and get them the help they need.”Heroin use has spiked in recent years across the country and at the local level. In the past two months, three fatal overdoses have occurred in Warren County.Spencer’s proposed bill provides immunity from drug possession charges for a person who seeks emergency medical help for themselves or others who have overdosed.Spencer said fatal overdoses could potentially be avoided by encouraging people to call for medical help. In many situations, drug abusers are afraid to call and have authorities respond to a home where an overdose has occurred.Medical professionals told Spencer that the number of “body dumping” cases, where a person who had overdosed is dropped off and left at a hospital, have been increasing.Another scenario that often happens is a person with an overdose victim will wait to call 911 until a home is cleaned and drugs are hidden a few hours later.“Look at other drugs that are out there, you don’t ever see any old heroin users,” Spencer said. “Heroin takes the lives of the young. Why? It’s a fear of conviction.”There are some stipulations in the proposed law. The immunity only applies if an individual has less than a certain amount of an illegal substance, Spencer noted.For instance, someone with more than 3 grams of heroin, cocaine or morphine would not be protected.“It gives no protection to those who sell or distribute,” Spencer said. The Good Samaritan Law already is in place in more than 20 states.Spencer is urging advocates of the bill to contact state legislators and to voice their support. This is the third year in a row the bill has been filed. He hopes it’s the last.“Heroin is everywhere,” Spencer said. “It’s cheap. It’s easy to get. It’s deadly.” The Associated Press contributed to this story.Coalition meeting setA Warren County Drug Coalition group is being formed to help raise awareness about the impact substance abuse is having on local residents.The next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Warren County Health Department, located at 101 Mockingbird Lane in the lower level of the county administration building.Attendees will help craft a mission statement and identify priority projects and programs.For more information, email Julie Hook at jhook@ncada-stl.org.Taking a stand