Howard County Coroner Dr. Steven Seele has released the office’s first quarter report for 2018.
The Howard County Health Department-Vital Records Division recorded over 250 deaths in Howard County in the 1st Quarter of 2018 which ended March 31st. Of those deaths, 44 were investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s Office with 33 of those cases determined to be of natural causes. There were 0 homicide, 3 suicides, 0 undetermined, and 7 accidental deaths. There is still 1 case pending toxicology results before a final determination can be made. There have been 5 confirmed drug overdoses. Of the 5 overdose cases, 4 were determined to be accidental and 1 was ruled a suicide. There was 1 accidental death due to a motor vehicle accident, 1 due to a fall, and 1 as the result of hypothermia.
Of the 44 cases investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s office in the first quarter, there were 20 autopsies conducted with 16 toxicology studies performed for a total cost of $32,819.00 to the County.
Of the 5 confirmed overdose cases, 3 involved non-opiate polysubstance abuse which includes benzodiazepines and other non-scheduled prescription medication. 2 cases involved Methamphetamine and 2 of the deaths were the result of synthetic cannabinoids. Alcohol was involved with 2 of the cases. As of this report, there are no opiates deaths to report for 2018. In the first quarter of 2017, Howard County experienced 15 drug overdoses with 10 of them involving opiate related drugs including Heroin and Fentanyl.
“I am very encouraged with the downturn in the overdose deaths this first quarter especially the opiate related deaths. There has been a great progress made in bringing our community together in combating and educating our resident’s about the drug epidemic. I feel the use of the Narcan by our first responders and others without doubt has reduced the deaths due to opiate overdose.”
“It is my prayer that with the opening of Turning Point, Howard County Systems of Care” and the continued hard work by our first responders and our legal system, Howard County will emerge as a leader and a model community for others to follow and learn from in dealing with this epidemic that has plagued our nation.”