Post-Forum Series Part 2: Building Understanding—Overdose Fatality Review Fundamentals and Tribal Perspectives from the National Forum

Wednesday, April 30 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM, ET 
OFRs are increasingly used by communities to address the overdose epidemic. These reviews analyze aggregate data and conduct confidential individual death reviews through a multidisciplinary team to improve coordination and collaboration across systems. Speakers will explore how understanding the community context and the lived experiences of overdose victims can enhance collaboration and drive meaningful community change. It will also address the unique challenges and opportunities tribal communities face in OFRs, and how these insights can inform culturally tailored prevention strategies.  

Audience 

Part 2 will serve as an opportunity to introduce the fundamentals of OFR in an OFR 101 format, as well as findings from the 2024 National Forum sessions on Tribal perspectives and partnerships. This session is intended for individuals who participate in, lead, support, or are interested in establishing an OFR, to include working in or alongside Tribal communities. It is particularly relevant for:

• Leaders and practitioners from Tribal communities interested in establishing OFR as part of their overdose prevention efforts. 
• Communities with established OFRs that seek to integrate Tribal communities into their OFRs. 

Note: This session is a prerequisite to attend Part 3: Half-Day Virtual Workshop: Building Hope for Healing—Exploring Implementation of OFRs in Tribal Communities (Limited Seats Available) on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:30 PM, ET. To learn more about the Post-Forum Series part one and three visit here.  

Meet Your Presenters 

• Kevin Poleyumptewa is a project coordinator with the National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College. He works with program efforts funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support tribal Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) and Coordinated Tribal Assistance Purpose Area 3 grantees and other tribal communities in implementing tribal justice system, community-based, and culturally driven responses to alcohol and substance misuse. Mr. Poleyumptewa also works on an Office on Violence Against Women-funded project focusing on engaging men as allies, advocates, and survivors.  
• Morgan Kramer is a senior research associate for IIR with 8 years of public health experience within overdose, child, and fetal and infant fatality reviews. Her focus includes coordination of support to OFR teams, prevention and intervention strategies, and the delivery of resources for states building infrastructure to support local OFR program efforts.  
• Paul Fuentes is a project coordinator at the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College. In his current role, he plays a crucial role in supporting grantees of Bureau of Justice Assistance-funded programs, focusing on the Tribal Justice System Planning Process and Tribal Responses to Alcohol and Substance Misuse, both of which provide essential training and technical assistance (TTA) to tribal communities. Mr. Fuentes is a passionate advocate for tribal justice and grant management with extensive experience in the field.