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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 09/14/2022 - Kittitas County Coroner Nick Henderson announces that the Coroner's Office is working with local schools and other groups to get our message out to those who need to hear it.
09-14-2022 Kittitas County Coroner Nick Henderson announced today that the Coroner’s Office is taking its message on the road. They have developed several presentations focused toward middle and high school aged young people. Henderson said “we are currently working with school administrators at the schools in our county to define the best way to take our message to their students.” Henderson added that in the past year they have had opportunities to visit with students from various schools, including CWU, and have found there is a lot of interest in what coroners and medical examiners do. “Young people are curious about the role we play in the community and they are very fascinated by the science and forensics involved in our investigations. There is a real serious need for Forensic Pathologists and Forensic Scientists in our country and it’s encouraging to see so much interest”. He continued, “we’re already scheduled to speak to a class at one school and are working with the CWU anthropology and forensics classes to be involved there as well”. “Since we spent the time with CWU students we have had an overwhelming response with applications for student intern positions in our office.” The first presentation explores the role of coroners and medical examiners in the community. It defines what they do such as determining cause and manner of death, confirming identities, notifying next of kin and family, and issuing death certificates. It also discusses the investigations involved in solving the mystery of what happened here, from the scene investigation, to interviewing witnesses and medical providers, to the autopsy. The second presentation piggy backs off of the first. Henderson said “it is painful to see young people die from absolutely preventable causes, we want an opportunity to speak to them, face to face, about the most common, preventable, causes of death among teens. Our hope is that what we have to say might prevent a few of these tragedies from happening.” The presentation addresses choices and decisions that have lifelong consequences. There is also a portion on developing healthy habits and taking good care of your body so it will last a long time. It’s all about the choices we make and choosing wisely. The presentations are illustrated through powerpoint slides. The Coroner’s Office staff is available to work with any group or organization that is interested in this type of thing. They would love to participate. Henderson said “we have a really interesting job and we have a strong message to spread to our community”. If you would like to discuss having one of the office members speak to your group or event call the Coroner’s Office at 509-933-8200.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kittitas County Coroner Nick Henderson509-933-8200nick.henderson@co.kittitas.wa.us