HJBR Nov/Dec 2023

EBR PARISH CORONER’S OFFICE 2022 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS Focus for the Future Opioid Deaths In 2022 my office continued an anti-opioid campaign which now includes the deadly drug, fentanyl. Our office worked with the Louisiana Opioid Task Force and the Office of the Governor, Crime Stoppers, and The Bridge Center for Hope, and When You Are Ready Community Campaign to create impactful public policies to protect our citizens. I will continue to address our opioid epidemic in both our death investigations and with those in our community suffering from substance abuse problems. DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS SEXUAL ASSAULTS Sexual Assault When I took office in 2012, I recognized the need for all victims of sexual assault, including men, women and children, to receive appropriate, efficient and consistent forensic medical exams with the highest level of dignity and in full compliance with state law. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are best-practice when conducting forensic medical exams. In 2016, I successfully implemented a SANE protocol that includes not only East Baton Rouge Parish but the entire Louisiana Department of Health Region 2 of Ascension, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, East Feliciana and West Feliciana. We have a solid team of SANEs with two full time SANEs, including our SANE Coordinator. We conducted 381 adult/adolescent and respond 24/7 to all victims of sexual assault. Mental Health I will continue my efforts to implement an automated system for Physician Emergency Certificates and Coroner Emergency Certificates by working with Louisiana Department of Health and other stakeholders. I worked with community partners to open a new mental health stabilization center, The BRIDGE Center for Hope, to prevent the inappropriate incarceration of our citizens with mental illness and the overcrowding of emergency departments. Since the opening of The BRIDGE Center for Hope in 2021, they have served 5,038 of our citizens. As of December 31, 2022, my office has issued, 11,480 Order of Protective Custodies and 79,835 Coroner Emergency Certificates since taking office. Source: East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office.“Annual Report 2022.” https://www.ebrcoroner.com/_files/ugd/e8adc7_23bedbf5e3bc4b838f d767d0bcdaa688.pdf