Jefferson County's medical examiner says there have been 100 heroin-related deaths in the county this year, surpassing 58 that were recorded in 2013.
Al.com reports Chief Medical Examiner Gregory Davis is asking the Jefferson County Commission for a 2 percent funding increase to help cover autopsy costs and renew a contract with UAB to provide toxicology services. A committee approved his request and the full commission is expected to vote on it Wednesday.
Davis says the increase in heroin deaths isn't limited to one region or one demographic. The medical examiner says he expects the number of deaths to continue growing through the end of the year.
Davis says he thinks more people are experimenting with the drug, but he doesn't think the drug itself has become more lethal.