ABSTRACT
MDIs can have a positive effect on their community by taking the knowledge that they gain from death investigations to not only provide comfort, support, and referral to families, but also to educate the public regarding risk factors, health and safety issues, and potential causes of injury, thus decreasing the morbidity and mortality rates in their communities. By initiating prevention and education programs directed toward the surviving family and the community, MDIs become professionals who not only react to incidents, but are also proactive in preventing others. This chapter will address family follow-up and referral needs that impact the family directly. The following chapter will address ways investigators can impact their community.
