LIVE Ten-Part Webinar Series
When:
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
Tuesday, July 21st, 2026 from 1pm – 3pm ET
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Network of Public Health Institute (NNPHI), and the Public Health Institute (PHI), is pleased to announce a new series focusing attention on drug-caused and drug-related deaths in the United States.
Drug caused and related deaths remain among the most scientifically and operationally complex case types encountered in medicolegal and forensic practice. As the drug landscape continues to evolve, professionals across investigation, toxicology, and forensic pathology face increasing challenges in recognizing, interpreting, and certifying drug involvement in death. This 10-part webinar series brings together Medicolegal Death Investigators, forensic toxicologists, forensic pathologists, and medical examiners for a practical, case-informed exploration of the issues shaping drug death investigation today. Participants may earn FREE CME and CE credits, providing valuable continuing education at no cost.
The series is designed to reflect the inherently collaborative nature of modern medicolegal death investigation. Sessions integrate investigative considerations, toxicological interpretation, and medical certification practices, emphasizing how each discipline contributes to accurate and defensible determinations. Particular attention is given to the investigative foundations that frame laboratory findings and medical conclusions, while reinforcing the critical interpretive and diagnostic roles of toxicology and forensic pathology. This balanced approach ensures relevance for professionals across disciplines while strengthening shared decision-making and collaboration.
Participants will examine persistent and emerging challenges influencing casework in 2026, including polysubstance use, shifting drug supply dynamics, and the continued emergence of novel psychoactive substances and toxic adulterants. Expert-led panel discussions provide practical insight into interpretive complexities, certification dilemmas, and recurring sources of uncertainty encountered in real-world cases. The program highlights not only what is changing, but also the enduring principles that support consistent and scientifically sound practice.
Across all sessions, the central objective is to enhance accuracy, consistency, and professional confidence in the investigation and certification of drug caused and drug related deaths. Attendees are encouraged to engage actively through discussion and partnership within the forensic community, while earning continuing education credits and strengthening the quality and public health value of their work.