Howard County ends 2023 with 36 OD deaths
Drug casualties declining toward state average; suicides on the rise
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The drug crisis in Howard County is finally starting to recede. After years of languishing under the influence heavy substance abuse, the mortality rate from such abuse is in decline. And the sources of those fatalities are very much in focus.
The community still has a very unhealthy relationship with fentanyl and methamphetamines. The evidence supporting this was released by Howard County Coroner Dr. Steven Seele this week as part of his annual report on death investigations conducted by his office.
The coroner’s office investigated 238 deaths in 2023. Of those, 144 were determined to be due to natural causes. Of the remainder, 71 of the deaths were accidental – the category under which overdoses are listed. And of those, 36 were the result of a drug overdose.
“Despite the heartbreaking loss of life due to drug overdoses, it should be mentioned that 2023 is the closest we have come to converging with the state average fatal overdose rate since 2017 when the opioid epidemic emerged in full swing,” said Dr. Matt Oliver, CEO of Turning Point A System of Care, which provides short-term support and long-term recovery avenues to those with substance abuse and mental health issues.
“Since 2020, we consistently see a steady trend in the reduction of overdose fatalities despite the deadliness of fentanyl,” Oliver continued. “What this means is Howard County appears to be making real progress in supporting recovery and saving lives and should be recognized for this important, collaborative work.”
The remaining accidental deaths investigated by the coroner involved falls and injuries in a home or institutional setting (21), motor vehicle accidents (9), weather exposure (2), choking (2), and drowning (1).
Outside of the accidental causes, 19 Howard County residents committed suicide in 2023, an increasing number that has the coroner concerned.
“More than 50,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, which is more than any year on record,” said Seele. “Locally, we have seen an increase in the suicide rate. The Howard County Coroner’s Office has investigated 107 suicides since 2017, with 40 of them being in the past two years. The U.S. Surgeon general call mental health the ‘defining health crisis of our time.’”
Seele pointed out that there are many resources available to those in crisis or considering suicide. There is a local suicide and crisis help line which can be reached by calling 765-860-8365. The national support line may be reached by dialing 988.
The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County is taking action in March during National Mental Health Month. It will present a Community Mental Health Fair on Sat., March 9, from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the United Autoworkers Local 685 union hall, 929 E. Hoffer St.
Additional information about the fair can be found the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Howard County Facebook page or on Instagram at spc_of_howard_county. The coalition also can be reached by emailing suicideprevention@turningpoint.org.
Of the deaths investigated by the coroner’s office, there were 126 autopsies performed, 139 toxicology studies requested, and four imaging x-rays conducted, at a cost of $238,203 to the taxpayers. Seele noted that 35 of the toxicology tests were covered by the Indiana Department of Health.
In other activity, Howard County suffered just two homicides in 2023. There are two cases from the previous year that are presently undetermined. In addition to the cases investigated, the coroner’s office directly released 85 cases.