At just 18, my son has already lost two of his close friends to drugs and alcohol. The first friend that passed away was only 15 and the second was 17; both died tragically under very similar circumstances- heavy drinking and drug experimentation led to situations that kids at that age just didn't know how to handle. Which in turn, ultimately led to the death of two kids who could've been saved if their friends weren't too afraid to call for help.

Now, the state of Illinois is trying to make sure that things like this never happen again by passing a new law that will ensure that nobody will be afraid to call for help. This comes after an Oregon teen died from injuries suffered at an underage drinking party in August 2013.

The new law allows underage drinkers to dial 9-1-1 in the case of a medical emergency with the chance to not get in any trouble.

All states should have a similar law, would you agree? And despite not having a law to protect your kids, please encourage them to call for help. As parents, we know that they're scared but it could save a life.

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