Published August 6, 2025

Stephanie Schroeder and Cindy Buntin are data abstractors for the Iowa Violent Death Reporting System (IAVDRS), a confidential statewide surveillance system that collects information about violent deaths in Iowa, including homicides and suicides.

The database, funded by the CDC and housed at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, allows researchers to analyze the “who, when, where, and how” of violent deaths to better understand the circumstances around why they occur.

Data abstractors for the IAVDRS gather information about violent death cases in Iowa from death certificates, as well as reports from coroners/medical examiners, law enforcement, and toxicology.

Schroeder said that abstractors transform complex, often fragmented records into meaningful, standardized data that can be used by researchers to identify trends, risk factors for violence, and opportunities for intervention.

“This allows public health officials, policymakers, and community organizations to better understand the root causes of violence in Iowa and tailor prevention efforts accordingly, “she said. “Whether it’s identifying geographic areas with increased suicide rates or highlighting populations at higher risk for overdoses, our work ensures that prevention strategies are evidence-based and targeted.”

Below, Schroeder and Buntin discuss the rewards and challenges of their work, and how both personal tragedy and past professional experiences led them to the critical behind-the-scenes work of violence prevention.

What led you to being an IAVDRS abstractor?

Stephanie: When I saw the job posting for the abstractor position, it sounded incredibly interesting and meaningful. I already had experience with ICD-10 cause of death coding and data entry, which aligned well with the role. I’ve also always been a true crime enthusiast. Growing up, Dateline and 20/20 were staples in my home.

On a more personal note, I was especially drawn to this position because my father died by suicide when I was a child. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, combining my professional skills with a cause that matters deeply to me.

In 2016, I earned my Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification,  and I advanced into my first medical coding role at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Cindy: My professional background includes seven years of experience as a medical assistant. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I started studying for my coding certification. Once I obtained this, I worked as a medical coder for a little over a year.

During my time in medical assisting school, I worked in a mental health office, which sparked my deep interest in mental health and the challenges patients face. Whether it’s working directly with patients or being behind the scenes, I always loved feeling like I’m helping in some sort of way.

I’m also intrigued by true crime, so when I learned about the abstractor position, it felt like a perfect fit.

What are the rewards of being a data abstractor?

Stephanie: As an abstractor, I review a variety of source documents to collect data on all violent deaths in Iowa including, suicides, homicides, unintentional overdoses, accidental firearm deaths, and legal intervention incidents.  I examine each case using a standardized protocol developed by the CDC.

Then, I put together a narrative capturing the context/circumstances surrounding the incident – Was there a history of mental health treatment? A history of intimate partner violence? Or, was there access to firearms within the home?

What I love the most is that I rarely ever see the same thing twice. Each case tells a unique story. I hope that the work that I do helps shape life-saving programs, policies, and public health responses.

I also enjoy the opportunities for outreach, such as attending law enforcement conferences, touring the state medical examiner’s facility, and volunteering at the domestic violence Super Bowl fundraiser.

Cindy: As an abstractor, my role is vital in supporting violence prevention efforts in Iowa. I thoroughly review each report to extract critical data including job history, criminal background, mental health diagnoses, life stressors, interpersonal conflicts, and more.

This information is submitted to the CDC to help ensure Iowa’s data is both accurate and comprehensive, ultimately aiding in the development of informed prevention strategies.

What I appreciate most about being an abstractor is the sense of purpose that comes with the role. Knowing that my work contributes to meaningful change and violence prevention in our state is incredibly rewarding.

What are the challenges of your work?

Stephanie: One of the most challenging aspects is reviewing cases that involve children. As a parent of a two-year-old child, these cases hit especially hard. It’s impossible not to feel a personal connection when reading about the loss of a young life, especially when it could have been prevented.

Cindy: The most challenging aspect is processing emotionally heavy cases. When a report feels especially difficult, I make time for self-care – I take a walk outdoors, spend quiet time with my dog, or simply rest and reset my mind.

How are partnerships important in your work?

Stephanie: Our work relies on the cooperation and collaboration of multiple agencies including medical examiners, law enforcement, public health departments, and other state and local partners. Each provides crucial pieces of information that allow us to build a complete picture of each case.

These connections not only help us do our jobs more effectively, but they also create a shared sense of purpose. Everyone plays a role in turning tragedy into actionable knowledge that can drive prevention and save lives.

Cindy: Strong partnerships with law enforcement, medical examiners, and others are essential to the success of our work. We make a point to attend as many conferences and events as possible to build these relationships, advocate for our program, and reinforce the importance of our mission.

I believe that face-to-face interaction is key to establishing trust and fostering long-term collaboration.

 Some resources:

• Linking data to understand violent deaths in Iowa (UI IPRC blog post)
• Suicide in Iowa 2022 (IAVDRS report)
• Homicides in Iowa 2026-2020 (IAVDRS report)
• Iowans’ experiences and perceptions about violence (UI IPRC blog post)
• Violence Prevention
• Suicide Prevention/ Mental Health & Emotional Safety
• Intimate Partner Violence