Virginia Medical Examiner Data System (VMEDS)

Description

VDH OCME collects data from a variety of death investigations. According to § 32.1-283 of the Code of Virginia, all of the following deaths are investigated by the OCME: any death from trauma, injury, violence, or poisoning attributable to accident, suicide or homicide; sudden deaths to persons in apparent good health or deaths unattended by a physician; deaths of persons in jail, prison, or another correctional institution, or in police custody (this includes deaths from legal intervention); deaths of persons receiving services in a state hospital or training center operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; the sudden death of any infant; and any other suspicious, unusual, or unnatural death. Death investigation data are of deaths that occur in Virginia, regardless of whether the person who died was a resident of Virginia.

How the Community can use the Data

VDH OCME data helps community members, researchers, public health officials, and policymakers understand the causes and circumstances surrounding deaths investigated by the Medical Examiner. This information can support injury and violence prevention efforts, guide public health initiatives, inform policy decisions, and raise awareness about emerging public safety concerns. By analyzing trends in accidental deaths, suicides, homicides, and other fatalities, communities can develop targeted strategies to improve health and safety across Virginia.

Data Limitations

The data includes only cases that fall under medical examiner jurisdiction—typically sudden, unexpected, violent, or suspicious deaths—so it does not represent all deaths in Virginia. The accuracy of the data depends on the quality and completeness of investigations and reporting. Additionally, there may be delays in case completion and data entry, and certain case details may be restricted to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.