
Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program
ABOUT ME/C
- ABOUT
- WHY THIS MATTERS
Across the United States, there is a shortage of practicing board-certified forensic pathologists. Additionally, there is a lot of variability in the field of medicolegal death investigation (MDI), resulting in inconsistencies in MDI services. The shortage of practitioners coupled with inconsistencies in service spurred the creation of the Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program. Initiated in 2017, the ME/C Program aims to increase the number of practicing board-certified forensic pathologists and support ME/C offices in implementing quality standards and providing consistent services.
To learn more about the ME/C Program and potential funding opportunities, please visit Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner (ME/C) System Program.
In the “2019 Report to Congress: Needs Assessment of Forensic Laboratories and Medical Examiner/Coroner Offices”, the National Institute of Justice outlined the extreme shortage of practicing board-certified forensic pathologists and highlighted the importance of implementing strong quality systems in these offices. In response to this report, the Strengthening the ME/C System Program was created and administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s, Office of Justice Programs, to provide funding to increase the number of qualified forensic pathology practitioners and assists ME/C offices in obtaining and maintaining accreditation. Accreditation allows for an independent body to assess an ME/C office’s quality assurance system and ensure the office has adequate staff, equipment, training, and facilities to provide a high standard of service. By addressing these gaps in the MDI field, the Strengthening the ME/C Program helps to ensure quality and consistency in the services provided by ME/Cs around the country.
Key Performance Metrics
Fellowship/Purpose Area 1:
- 55 fellowships funded
- 30 participants completed fellowship training
- 8,333 deaths investigated by fellows
- 8,102 autopsies performed by fellows
Accreditation/Purpose Area 2:
- 98 individuals seeking certification
- 24 individuals achieved certification
- 11 organizations achieved accreditation
GRANTEES
GRANTEE NAME | STATE |
---|---|
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES | AK |
ALAMEDA COUNTY | CA |
VENTURA COUNTY | CA |
LOS ANGELES COUNTY | CA |
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | CA |
BUTTE COUNTY | CA |
CONNECTICUT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER | CT |
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT | DC |
BROWARD COUNTY | FL |
DISTRICT ONE MEDICAL EXAMINER SUPPORT INC. | FL |
ST. LUCIE COUNTY | FL |
COBB COUNTY | GA |
COOK COUNTY | IL |
MCHENRY COUNTY | IL |
COUNTY OF MARION | IN |
JOHNSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT | KS |
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | MD |
MAINE ATTORNEY GENERAL | ME |
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE | MI |
GREENE COUNTY | MO |
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE | MT |
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES | NC |
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX | NJ |
MONROE COUNTY | NY |
NEW YORK CITY | NY |
BUTLER COUNTY CORONER | OH |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY | OH |
ALLEGHENY COUNTY | PA |
BEAUFORT COUNTY | SC |
DORCHESTER COUNTY | SC |
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE | TN |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY | TX |
BEXAR COUNTY | TX |
UTAH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | UT |
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH | VA |
KING COUNTY | WA |
KITTITAS COUNTY | WA |
MILWAUKEE COUNTY | WI |
RESOURCES
Publications
Multi-Media
Protocols
Research
HIGHLIGHTS AND EVENTS
- HIGHLIGHTS
- EVENTS