The issue hasn’t been making headlines to the same degree it did at other points in the last two years, but Rhode Island remains at the epicenter of an ongoing crisis.

In early 2014, startling figures regarding overdose deaths – tied to a deeply disturbing surge in heroin and prescription drug abuse – drew the public’s attention. It also spurred action, particularly through the distribution of the opioid-overdose antidote naloxone, also known as Narcan, to law enforcement and other segments of the community.

Earlier this month, the state Department of Health released overdose fatality statistics covering 2015. The numbers remain staggering.

At least 213 people died as a result of overdoses in 2015, according to the state. That number is expected to rise as the process of confirming overdose deaths – which can be time consuming – continues. The vast majority of the fatalities, 191, were opioid-related.

The crisis cuts across class, age, gender, and geography. Of the 213 deaths cited by the state, 23 were of people age 24 or younger; 59 were people between the ages of 25 and 34; 37 were of people between 45 and 54; and 51 were 55 or older.

Given the scope of the situation, it was deeply disheartening – and, frankly, inexcusable – when state lawmakers last spring abruptly adjourned their session without taking action to extend the Good Samaritan law.

The measure, which expired July 1, provides legal protection to people who call for help in the event of a drug overdose, even if there are drugs present at the scene. Advocates cite it as a vital tool in combating the overdose crisis and helping to address addiction. While legislators were in consensus the bill should be extended, their failure to do so was feebly attributed to political squabbling over other matters.

Now lawmakers have, thankfully, acted to correct their prior inaction. Both the Senate and House have approved a new Good Samarian bill, one that would expand the previous protections. The new provisions include a liability exemption for those who administer Narcan to another person, and immunity from probation or parole violations for those who seek medical help for someone who has overdosed.

As of this writing, the bill still required two key steps before implementation – another vote of the General Assembly, and the signature of Gov. Gina Raimondo. Both are all but assured to take place in short order.

The response from civic leaders and organizations has been quick, and rightfully positive.

“The reinstated Good Samaritan law will save lives and reassure Rhode Islanders that their state values saving a life over making an arrest,” the American Civil Liberties Union’s Rhode Island chapter said in a statement.

“Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in Rhode Island and touches every community in our state,” Raimondo said. “The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act of 2016 is an important tool to combat this public health crisis. Rhode Island’s response to the overdose crisis must first and foremost be focused on saving lives.”

The Good Samaritan law is set to go back on the books. It should have never been allowed to expire. If anything good comes from this shameful episode, let it be that our leaders resolve themselves to never allow it to be jeopardized again.