Fayette Coroner releases first annual report
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office released its first-ever annual report, providing a comprehensive look at the causes and trends of deaths in the region over the past 23 years. And while the report gives an in-depth and quantifiable insight at the causes of death that have occurred in the county since 2020, Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker said it is his intention to honor those that died.
“These aren’t just strictly numbers, these are actually people’s lives that we’re dealing with,” Baker said. “So (our office) wants to make sure that this information is used in memory of the deceased. I don’t want to lose the connection to life, it’s not just purely numbers.”
The 35-page report, released last week, provides the public with a variety of statistics about the number of reported cases over the past 23 years, offering information about deaths that are accidental, natural, suicide and homicide. Statistics about age and gender are also included.
“It’s about transparency,” Baker said. “And we at the office are hoping that we’ll be able to get the community involved and they can help our community.”
Baker, who became county coroner in January, said he plans to use this report to create potential outreach programs to help reduce the number of preventable deaths.
“I needed information to know where to put our energy in,” Baker said. “As an evidence-based practitioner, I need data and evidence to be able to move forward.”