Ogemaw County Takes Action: New Overdose Fatality Review Board Launched

The opioid epidemic continues to impact communities across Michigan—and Ogemaw County is stepping up with a bold and proactive response.

The Ogemaw Drug Free Coalition, in partnership with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), has officially launched an Overdose Fatality Review Board for the county. This crucial initiative aims to examine the circumstances surrounding opioid-related deaths in our community and identify patterns, missed opportunities, and gaps in services or response.

By analyzing these cases, the Board will provide insights that go beyond the numbers—offering a clearer picture of how and why opioid fatalities are occurring in Ogemaw County. The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge to inform strategic, community-level action.

Following the review process, an Action Board will be formed. This group will use the findings from the Fatality Review Board to recommend and implement meaningful changes—whether that’s increasing access to treatment, improving public education, enhancing emergency response protocols, or supporting harm reduction strategies.

This two-tiered approach reflects the Coalition’s deep commitment to protecting our community from further opioid fatalities by transforming data into action.