County approves contracted suicide/overdose fatality review with $1,000 not‑to‑exceed cap

Davis County commissioners on Sept. 23 approved a contract for an independent contractor to lead a local suicide and overdose fatality review process under the state‑recognized SOWFA (Suicide Overdose Fatality Review) framework. Health department staff said the contractor will collect data, convene meetings of community partners, identify gaps and make educational recommendations to help prevent future suicides and overdoses. The county receives notifications when a resident with a Davis County address is treated for overdose at area hospitals, and staff said they use that data to identify trends. The contract compensates the contractor per meeting. County officials asked for a spending cap; staff recommended a not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,000 to cover approximately two meetings annually. "I don't have any problem having as many meetings as you can. I just don't like open ended contracts with no cap on them," Commissioner Keith said. The board approved the contract and the $1,000 cap by voice vote, 3–0. Health staff said the work is meant to be independent of the health department (contractor conducts data collection and meeting planning off site) and will include sessions with community partners at county facilities as needed.