From the Margins to the Morgue: The Truth Behind Overdose Deaths with Coroner Naida Rutherford

Leaders and Learners

What really happens to a body after a drug overdose? In this gripping episode of Leaders & Learners, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the trailblazing Coroner Naida Rutherford—nurse practitioner, changemaker, and the first African-American, first woman, and first medical professional elected to the Coroner's office in Richland County, SC. And she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, so it's a D9 function. From once being a homeless teen to now giving a voice to the voiceless, Naida pulls back the curtain on the realities of death investigation, overdose fatalities, and the importance of telling each person’s truth with compassion and justice. Discover how she's changing the narrative around death, introducing youth to STEM through her Coroner Cadet program, and tackling public health disparities head-on. This episode is a powerful blend of purpose, science, and service you won’t want to miss.This conversation will move you, educate you, and open your eyes to the realities behind overdose deaths and the power of purpose-driven leadership. Don’t keep it to yourself—share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Leaders & Learners for more powerful stories. Let’s keep the conversation going—because every voice matters, and every story deserves to be told.

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