Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Child Fatality Review shows fewer deaths in 2024 but persistent racial disparities, county report says
Summary
Ellis Matheson, chair of Buncombe County's Child Fatality Review Team, reported 14 child fatalities in 2024 (five infants), down from 20 in 2023, and highlighted causes including accidental poisoning and drownings and racial disparities in infant deaths; the team recommended improved emergency notifications, parental support, and expanded treatment resources.
Ellis Matheson, Buncombe County public health director and chair of the local Child Fatality Review Team, presented the team's 2025 annual report summarizing deaths that occurred in 2024.
"For 2024, there were 14 fatalities, including 5 infants," Matheson said, noting the total is a decrease from 20 reported deaths in 2023. He said accidental poisonings (including illicit substances) and a drowning tied to flooding from Tropical Storm Helene were among the…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
