The number of accidental drug-related deaths in Orleans Parish increased by 51% in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, there were (365) accidental drug deaths. In 2019, there were (241).  In 2020, (204) were Black, (151) were White, (6) were Hispanic, and (4) were other/unknown. In 2019, (115) were Black, (113) were White, (4) were Hispanic, (3) Read More

Now more than ever, it’s important for your immune system to stay in tip-top shape during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the best ways to stay healthy is by maintaining a nutritious diet. New Orleans Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna shares some foods and drinks that can help boost your immune system: Vitamin A assists with Read More

Medical experts are saying that cancer-related mortality has been declining. Treatment advances have reduced death rates for some cancers, but most of the reduction in mortality can be attributed to long-standing efforts related to cancer prevention and early detection. New Orleans Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, shares a few tips to help prevent cancer: Start Healthy Read More

Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna is a COVID-19 survivor. Now more than ever, there are some things he says you should know about the long term impact. Dr. McKenna says beating the initial sickness may be just the first of may battles for survivors. He says dealing with long term effects could be a Read More

Orleans Parish Coroner Announces How He Fought The Coronavirus The symptoms for Dr. Dwight McKenna, Orleans Parish Coroner, presented in early March when he began experiencing feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Subtle signs…at first. When the symptoms lingered, however, and after what seemed to be days upon days of excruciating discomfort, he took it upon Read More

Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna wants you to understand the Coronavirus and know how to notice the signs. Doctor McKenna says that in addition to fever, common signs of infection include cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Some patients will have had diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, infection Read More

What is Leukemia? Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, wants you to understand Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and know how to notice the signs. Doctors say, each year about 21-thousand people get diagnosed and about 4,500 people die from the disease. First off, CLL is the most common leukemia in adults. It starts in the Read More

Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, wants you to understand cancer and know that it’s more than just one disease. We all know there are many types of cancer, and they all start due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Cancer cells develop because of damage to DNA, which directs all activities in each Read More

By definition, obesity is defined as a complex, chronic and progressive disease involving biology, environment and behavior. According to Dr. Dwight McKenna, Orleans Parish Coroner, when patients understand what obesity is, they can better control it. McKenna says obesity is in fact a disease and there is a reason why patients are struggling with weight Read More

There is a lot of talk these days about the pros and cons of medical marijuana. It’s a hot topic that has a lot of people wanting more information. Orleans Parish Coroner, Dr. Dwight McKenna, weighs in on a few things you should know. 33 state legislatures have legalized medical marijuana for a wide variety Read More