DOP-Coroners’ Study 2020 Final Report: Assessing Coroners’ Needs

Research Purpose: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) partnered with Support and Training for the Evaluation of Programs (STEPs) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to assess the needs of Nebraska county coroners in conducting drug overdose death investigations. This is the second year DHHS has partnered with STEPs to assess coroners’ needs. To develop a clear understanding of Nebraska county coroners’ needs, STEPs conducted an online survey of the 91 county coroners who are serving 93 Nebraska counties, according to Nebraska DHHS’s internal data. STEPs administered the survey on June 25, 2020 and closed it on July 24, 2020. 21 coroners completed the survey in its entirety, providing a response rate of 23%. At least three responses came from each of the Behavioral Health Regions 1 5. No responses came from Behavioral Health Region 6