IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area | District One Medical Examiner Support , INC.

04 Oct District One Medical Examiner Support , INC.

Posted at 12:24h in 2022, Health & Wellness, Nonprofits by Jae Vogei

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DISTRICT ONE MEDICAL EXAMINER SUPPORT, INC.

Grant Year: 2022 | Focus Area: Health and Wellness| Grant Amount: $103,820 | Grant Status: In Progress

The District One Medical Examiner Support, Inc. (DOMES) provides medical examiner services for almost 800,000 residents of the district. Through the District One Medical Examiner’s Office (D1MEO) of Florida they execute their mission to serve and protect the interest of the community by maintaining the highest standard of professionalism and integrity in determining the cause and manner of death. The District Medical Examiner’s Office plays an indispensable role at the intersection of public health and criminal justice with a commitment to independent investigations, advanced science, and a deep compassion for families affected by sudden loss and profound trauma. D1MEO is responsible for carrying out the requirements of the Medical Examiners Act codified in Florida State Statute 406. D1MEO maintains a 24-hour on-call investigator and doctor to respond to reports of death involving homicides, suicides, overdoses, and other non-natural or suspicious circumstances. It treats bereaved families with respect and sensitivity and offers families of decedents timely reports and explanations, rendering courteous and professional service. DOMES, Inc. and the D1MEO is the only Florida district medical examiner operating as a nonprofit business providing these services.

OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Victim advocate services are provided by other agencies in cases of criminal activity or influence; however, in the majority of D1MEO cases the sudden loss that is experienced does not involve criminal charges and the next- of-kin are left without critical support. The IMPACT 100 grant will fund a D1MEO Family Advocate position to provide direct customer and support services to families that have lost a loved one to an unexplained or suspicious death, including overdoses, suicides, and child death scenarios. The Family Advocate, based in the Pensacola office and serving Escambia and Santa Rosa County residents, will create an avenue for families to have a point of contact with medical examiner staff for family follow-up until the case is complete. It will allow for collaboration with medical examiners and death investigators to provide timely and accurate case information to family members. The Family Advocate will identify resources and make referrals to the appropriate crisis intervention services, victim assistance programs, community resources, and grief counseling.

EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

The creation of this position will have the distinction of being the first of its kind in the State of Florida to provide this critical service to our citizens. It will create a wealth of resources and relationships with community stakeholders and a comforting environment for families moving through the process of loss. It will connect families to helpful resources as it simultaneously provides support to medical examiner staff to focus on their demanding caseloads. It will provide training and education to staff, families, and the community by providing compassionate service and information for public health and safety with the ultimate goal of preventing future deaths. It will develop, implement and manage programs; train volunteers and interns; and collaborate with other agencies to provide resources and a focus on community health projects. The Family Advocate will ensure that the D1MEO is represented in the public health arena and similar areas of interest in the community.