This summer, I worked with the Allen County Department of Health and gained valuable experience. In addition to my work with ACDOH’s Vital Records division, I collaborated closely with the Allen County Coroner’s Office to analyze data on individuals who passed away as a result of drug overdoses in 2023. My responsibilities included reading death reports, compiling hospital records, reviewing toxicology screens to analyze the data and trends from the past year,
and analyzing suicides. I then compiled this information into a report presented to ACDOH.
The study focused on identifying the drugs in decedents’ systems as determined by toxicology screenings and hospital reports. It also examined the demographics of the decedents and provided a breakdown of the frequency and presence of different drugs. I discovered that since 2008, Fentanyl-related deaths have increased by 282 percent, making it the most commonly found substance in overdose victims. In 2023, 74 percent of overdose deaths in Allen County involved Fentanyl, which continues to be the leading cause of fatal overdoses. I also uncovered a rise in the presence of a dangerous drug called Xylazine, often referred to as a horse tranquilizer. This substance is being mixed with Fentanyl and negates the effects of overdose reversal drugs like Naloxone. Contrary to common stereotypes about drug use being prevalent among homeless individuals, my research revealed that 77 percent of those who overdosed were employed at the time of their deaths. This statistic highlights that drug use is prevalent among contributing members of society, challenging the typical misconceptions surrounding addiction.
Finally, I would like to thank Jana Saunders for allowing me to work for the Health Department and all the guidance she has provided me with. I would also like to thank Michael Burris and his team at the Allen County Coroner’s Office for their cooperation and support in providing me with records and reports. Finally, I would like to thank Kristi Gephart and her team at the Records Division for assisting me in pulling records and obtaining all the required information to complete my study.
