Programs
Seven Priorities. One Continuous Pathway.
From case-level evidence to population-level insight, workforce development, policy action, and public accountability.
The Center is being built. These are its proposed integrated priorities and intended impact.
Proposed center priority
Build Mortality Review Systems
Design domestic and global fatality review systems; support governments and institutions; establish model Death in Custody review frameworks; and standardize mortality reporting.
Prevention strategies and system reform.
Proposed center priority
National Mortality Data & Analytics Lab
Aggregate cross-jurisdictional death data; integrate forensic, public health, and justice datasets; advance forensic epidemiology; and develop AI-enabled dashboards and annual Mortality Policy Reports.
Faster intervention and measurable accountability.
Proposed center priority
Translate Findings into Law & Policy
Serve as a resource when mortality rises; develop policy briefs and model legislation; provide expert testimony; and advise governors, legislatures, ministries of health, and other decision-makers.
Evidence translated into enforceable reform.
Proposed center priority
Autopsy & Forensic Case Review Services
Perform primary and secondary forensic autopsies and case reviews; provide expert consultation; serve as a referral resource for complex cases; and support mass-fatality and historical excavation work.
Quality, consistency, trust, and stronger surveillance.
Proposed center priority
Lead Death Equity Studies
Study national and global disparities in maternal mortality, violence-related deaths, deaths in custody, chronic disease mortality, and structural determinants of premature death.
Mortality evidence used to identify barriers to health equity.
Proposed center priority
Train the Next Generation of Physician Leaders
Educate and support MD, MPH, DrPH, JD, and forensic pathology trainees through research and coursework in Death in Custody, medicolegal death investigation, violence prevention, mortality policy, and health equity.
Leaders who understand both science and policy.
Proposed center priority
Multi-media Education & Publications
Produce The Record newsletter and podcast; convene monthly global technical-assistance meetings; and host the annual Mortality, Law, and Policy Summit.
Broad education, collaboration, and public engagement.
One integrated mission
What Death Reveals
Can Protect Life.
Autopsy findings, medicolegal investigations, death certificates, fatality review processes, and historical records can reveal where systems fail and where prevention is possible.
By integrating forensic medicine, public health analytics, legal and policy scholarship, historical review, education, and community-facing communication, the Center will move evidence from reports and archives into practical prevention and reform.
Find your place in the mission
Help Build a Stronger Practice.
Philanthropic and institutional partnerships can support an individual priority or the shared infrastructure that connects all seven.
Explore Partnership Opportunities