MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) — A northern Indiana school district has adopted a new policy on drug and alcohol abuse following the deaths of two recent graduates from a mixture of alcohol and a prescription painkiller.
The South Bend Tribune reports the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. board unanimously approved the new policy Monday night. It shields students from school discipline if they seek medical help for themselves or others for drug and alcohol abuse.
- RELATED: Toxicology results show Savage brothers died of overdose on oxycodone, alcohol, July 20, 2015
Superintendent Jerry Thacker says the June deaths of Nick and Jack Savage resulted in the new “conditional amnesty” policy. The brothers were found dead at their parents’ Granger home the morning after attending a party.
- RELATED: Teens charged in connection to party attended by Savage brothers, July 21, 2015
Coroners ruled the brothers died from the mixture of alcohol and oxycodone.
The school’s policy is similar to Indiana’s Lifeline law, which grants immunity to drug users or underage drinkers who call 911 to report medical emergencies.
- RELATED: Advocates launch campaign to publicize Indiana’s Lifeline law, Aug. 17, 2015
