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Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Program

Mission Statement

The mission of the Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Program is to comprehensively examine overdose-related deaths, investigate the underlying factors, and provide insights to inform effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

With a commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and adopting a systemic approach, we aim to honor the lives lost by driving evidence-based solutions and advance public health practices to ultimately reduce overdose fatalities. Our work is dedicated to making a lasting difference in the fight against substance use and its devastating consequences.

Core Principles

  1. Investigation: Detailed reviews of overdose-related deaths to uncover patterns, root causes, and contributing factors.
  2. Collaboration: Foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to develop a holistic approach to prevention.
  3. Evidence-Based Solutions: Implement evidence-based strategies and interventions based on the findings of the reviews to prevent future overdose fatalities.

Our Teams

OFR Team

The OFR Team is composed of dedicated professionals who review overdose-related deaths and address the complexities of substance use in our community. Members are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect the confidentiality of information. They collaborate to establish team agreements, engage in quarterly review sessions, and analyze case files to identify patterns and contributing factors.

Governance Committee 

The Governance Committee provides leadership and oversight for the OFR program. This committee sets strategic priorities, develops policies, meets twice a year to allocate resources, and supports the implementation of recommendations. It ensures the program operates effectively and ethically, contributing to the reduction of overdose fatalities and improved public health outcomes.

The OFR Team and Governance Committee work together to integrate front line insights with strategic oversight. This collaboration ensures that case review findings inform strategic decisions and drive evidence-based solutions to improve public health outcomes.

Get Involved

If you are passionate about making a difference and have experience related in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) field, we invite you to join us!

Please complete our Volunteer Registration Form to express your interest in joining the OFR team.

Related Information 

Contact Us

For more information, please email marilyn.lenus@erie.gov or call (716) 858-7695

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