Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 19, 2007

Health Department Presents Community Partnership Award to Tucker Bittel For Her Work With Rhode Island’s Violent Death Reporting System

Today the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) presented Tucker Bittel, MPH with a Community Partnership Award for her work with Rhode Island’s Violent Death Reporting System. HEALTH’s Community Partnership Award is presented to individuals and groups who engage in exceptional community efforts that support the mission of the Health Department.

The National Violent Death Reporting System is a comprehensive public health surveillance system that tracks the circumstances of violent deaths. Rhode Island is one of 17 states participating in this project through the Office of State Medical Examiners.

Tucker Bittel served as the data manager of the Rhode Island component of the National Violent Death Reporting System for two years, while working on her Master of Public Health degree at Brown University. She tracked the factors contributing to cases of homicide, suicide, deaths of undetermined intent (e.g. drug overdose), and unintentional firearm deaths. From this work, Tucker created a separate database to track accidental drug-related deaths. In addition, she coordinated with a local law enforcement agency to assist them in developing a program to address underage drinking. She also served as the data manager of the Rhode Island Child Death Review and conducted research on the relationship between child deaths and history of maternal domestic violence.

During her time at the Office of State Medical Examiners, Ms. Bittel provided exemplary service and leadership. Through her work, she provided recommendations for interventions to prevent violent and untimely deaths. HEALTH thanks her and acknowledges that with her support, this important public health system has been greatly improved.

Tucker Bittel currently works with Health Strategies Group in Philadelphia, PA.