The Howard County Health Department-Vital Records Division recorded 323 deaths in Howard County for the 1st Quarter of 2019 which ended March 31, 2019. Of those deaths, 76 were investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s Office. 55 of those cases were determined to be due to natural causes. There was 1 homicide, 3 suicides, and 16 accidental deaths. There is 1 Case that is still under investigation and is pending.
Of the 16 accidental deaths, 10 were the result of drug overdoses, 3 were the result of motor vehicle accidents, and 3 were the result of falls either in the home or an institution, and 1 was the result of a drowning accident and 1 case is pending investigation results. Of the 3 suicides, 1 was the result of overdose.
Of the 11 confirmed overdose cases, 5 were the result of opiate abuse. Of the opiate cases, 2 involved heroin and 3 involved Fentanyl. Methamphetamine was involved in 1 of the cases and 9 involved non-opiate polysubstance abuse which includes benzodiazepines and other non-scheduled legend prescription medication. 1 case involved synthetic cannabinoids.
Of the 76 cases investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s office in the 1st quarter, there were 36 autopsies conducted with 33 toxicology studies performed for a total cost of $59,707.00 to the County.
There were 73 more deaths recorded in Howard County with 33 more deaths investigated by the Coroner’s Office in 2019 as compared to the same time last year. Community leaders have taken great strides in combating the Opioid Epidemic. Assistance is available to those with addiction as well as guidance for family members of those with addiction. You can get assistance by contacting Turning Point- Systems of Care at 765-860-8635.