Suspected drug overdose deaths are identified through initial Forensic Investigator's impressions, witness interviews, and scene evidence. Suspected drug overdose deaths provide important information as an early notification of drug overdose deaths in Delaware. The suspected drug overdose death count remains the same after all quality assurance activities are conducted by DFS and DPH within a month of the occurrence. Suspected drug overdose deaths can become confirmed as a drug overdose death as more information becomes available. Suspected drug overdose death counts are considered an undercount of drug overdose deaths. They are also based upon death location as residency information may not immediately be available.
Drug overdose deaths are finalized only after the completion of the investigation, toxicology testing, autopsy, documentation of medical history, medical review, and coding of the causes of death by the National Center for Health Statistics at CDC. The process to finalize a drug overdose death can take one to two years after the occurrence. The overdose death data are compiled and finalized by the Delaware Health Statistics Center. Drug overdose death reporting is by Delaware residence.
Treatment Providers and Naloxone Distribution Centers
Please see the Help is Here – Treatment & Recovery website to learn where treatment centers are located.