Howard County Coroner Dr. Steven Seele has announced the Howard County Health Department-Vital Records Division recorded 268 deaths in Howard County for the 2nd Quarter of 2018 which ended June 30th. Of those deaths, 54 were investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s Office. 29 of those cases were determined to be of natural causes. There was 1 homicide, 3 suicides, and 19 accidental deaths. There are 2 cases still under investigation.
Of the 19 accidental deaths, 10 involved drug overdoses, 6 were the result of motor vehicle accidents which includes 1 involving a pedestrian. 2 of the motor vehicle accidents were attributed to overdoses while driving. While 3 were alcohol related. 5 of the accidental deaths were the result of falls either in the home or an institution.
Of the 10 confirmed overdose cases, 4 were the result of opiate abuse including heroin, fentanyl, and opiate medications. 7 involved non-opiate polysubstance abuse which included benzodiazepines and other non-scheduled prescription medication. 2 cases were the result of the huffing computer duster and 1 case involved Methamphetamine. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 2 of the overdose cases.
Of the 54 cases investigated by the Howard County Coroner’s office in the first quarter, there were 28 autopsies conducted with 24 toxicology studies performed for a total cost of $46,738.00 to the County.
This brings the total number of overdoses to 15 for the first half of the year in Howard County. This is significantly lower than the previous year with only 4 of them involving opiates. I feel we are doing something right but it is important that we do not back down.