Support from New York City’s office of chief medical examiner for people bereaved by drug poisoning: development and implementation of the family support program

Bereavement from loss related to drug poisoning, the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, is associated with elevated risk for prolonged grief disorder, substance use, and poor mental health outcomes. Despite this, few interventions specifically target survivors of overdose loss. The Family Support Program (FSP) is a novel, social worker-delivered bereavement support service provided by the Drug Intelligence and Intervention Group of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner for family, friends, and other close social network members bereaved by drug poisoning. The FSP integrates evidence-based components including motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, social support, and linkage to care to reduce grief-related distress and improve psychosocial functioning. This paper describes the development, implementation, and pilot-phase adaptations of the FSP, including program design, staffing strategies, data infrastructure, and lessons learned. This paper can guide medical examiner and coroner offices in developing responsive, trauma-informed services for individuals affected by drug poisoning loss.