Grim county data reveals sobering number of preventable deaths – The Daniel Island News

Berkeley County Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

The Berkeley County Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report, released in May, offers a comprehensive analysis of mortality in the county, emphasizing data that can inform public health strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report, authored by Coroner Darnell Hartwell, aims to increase public awareness and reduce preventable deaths through education and outreach.

Overview of Deaths in Berkeley County

The coroner’s office is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death in cases that are unexpected, unexplained, suspicious, violent, or unknown. The office operates independently from other law enforcement agencies.

2024 Mortality Statistics

1. Total deaths recorded: 1,944
2. Investigated deaths by the coroner’s office:
   • Natural deaths: 1,200
   • Accidental deaths: 133
   • Suicides: 38
   • Homicides: 20
   • Undetermined: 7

Homicide Analysis and SDG Relevance

Of the 20 homicides, 19 were due to gun violence and one due to blunt force trauma, marking an 11% increase from 2023. This highlights challenges related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), emphasizing the need for violence reduction and community safety initiatives.

Accidental Deaths and Prevention Efforts

Reducing accidental deaths remains a priority for the coroner’s office, reflecting a commitment to SDG 3 and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through community outreach and education.

Breakdown of Accidental Deaths

• Total accidental deaths: 133
• Motor vehicle accidents: Approximately 30% (38 deaths)
• Drug-related deaths: Nearly 40% (54 deaths)

Community Initiatives Addressing Drug-Related Deaths

In response to the high incidence of drug-related fatalities, Berkeley County established the Overdose Review Board, comprising members from the coroner’s office, law enforcement, EMS, healthcare, and community leaders. The board’s mission aligns with SDG 3 by aiming to reduce overdose deaths through public awareness and intervention reviews.

Naloxone Access Program

• Installation of Naloxboxes in public areas containing naloxone nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses
• Funded by a $26 billion national opioid settlement, with Berkeley County receiving $707,968 in 2025
• Funds allocated to organizations working on opioid epidemic frontlines and addiction recovery/prevention

Saving Lives Through Organ and Tissue Donation

Aligned with SDG 3, the coroner’s office prioritizes life-saving strategies including organ and tissue donation to enhance health outcomes.

Organ Donation Statistics for 2024

1. Bodies released for organ donation: 12
2. Actual donation cases: 7
3. Organs recovered: 28
4. Lives saved through organ donation: 36

Tissue Donation Impact

• Tissues recovered and donated: 190
• Lives enhanced through tissue donation: 825

Conclusion

The Berkeley County Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report provides critical data that supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Through targeted prevention programs, community engagement, and life-saving donation initiatives, the county is actively working to reduce preventable deaths and improve overall public health and safety.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on mortality causes, prevention of accidental deaths, drug overdose reduction, and organ donation, all directly related to health and well-being.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The coroner’s independent investigations into violent deaths, including homicides, support justice and institutional transparency.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Efforts to reduce accidental deaths, including motor vehicle accidents and drug overdoses, contribute to safer communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, including suicide prevention.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Mortality Data
   • Number of deaths by cause (natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, undetermined) as recorded by the coroner’s office.
   • Number and percentage of homicides attributed to gun violence.
   • Number and percentage of accidental deaths related to motor vehicle accidents and drug overdoses.
2. Intervention and Prevention Measures
   • Establishment and activities of the Berkeley County Overdose Review Board.
   • Distribution and usage of Naloxboxes containing naloxone nasal spray.
   • Funding amounts received and allocated for opioid epidemic response.
3. Organ Donation Metrics
   • Number of bodies released for organ donation.
   • Number of actual donation cases, organs recovered, and lives saved.
   • Number of tissues recovered and lives enhanced through donation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

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