Suspected overdose deaths*, North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) data [2024 : March]

Suspected Overdose Deaths*, North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) Data: March 2024 267 267 Suspected Overdose Deaths*, March 2024 Compared to 355 March 2023 *This category reflects an estimate of statewide medical examiner system overdose deaths. Note that some suspected overdoses may ultimately be certified as non¬ poisoning deaths, but the majority become confirmed as poisoning deaths. Suspected Overdose Deaths*: 2018-2024 ■ YTD(Mar) Full year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Percent change: Year-to-date (YTD) suspected overdose deaths compared to YTD total of previous year; Data are provisional and subject to change. _ Last 24 Months of Confirmed74 & Suspected Overdose Deaths* Time required to investigate cases accounts for lower counts of confirmed cases in recent months i I Confirmed Poisonings'4 - Suspected Overdose Deaths* I I Confirmed Poisonings'4 (cases pending) AThis category reflects the number of deaths that have been confirmed as poisonings, regardless of intent, based on the results of a comprehensive investigation. Poisoning deaths attributed solely to carbon monoxide are excluded. *The NC OCME began tracking suspected overdoses as the count of autopsies performed to rule out overdose by the entire medical examiner system in March 2017. In May 2020, identification of suspected overdoses also included supplemental examinations performed to rule out overdose. Beginning in July 2020 suspected overdoses were identified through the NC Rapid Overdose Death Detection (NC RODD) pilot program and exams from all eight autopsy centers across NC. 2022-2024 data are considered provisional and subject to change as cases continue to be finalized. NC OCME will update graphs on a monthly basis to reflect suspected overdose deaths and recently confirmed poisoning deaths. For additional information, please contact ocme.data.request@dhhs.nc.gov. NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) 4/17/2024