The District of Columbia's State Administering Agency Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants will collaborate with the Office of The Chief Medical Examiner.

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) is the District of Columbia’s State Administering Agency for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. OVSJG will subaward grant funds to the District of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which investigates and certifies all deaths in the District of Columbia.

The OCME continues to be impacted by the volume and type of drug overdose deaths in the district. To adequately address the opioid epidemic, it is critical that staff stay abreast of new and emerging trends in forensic science. Training opportunities will provide requisite educational techniques, as well as assist in maintaining certifications/licenses. OVSJG requests support to subgrant for the costs to provide medical education and trainings for OCME staff, support toxicology testing, and purchase supplies.