The Infant Mortality Review Committee met Oct. 1 and approved its September minutes before selecting a regular meeting time for 2026 and moving into an executive session to review confidential infant-death cases.

Co-chair Shana LaFlamme, a nurse consultant, opened the meeting and led introductions of committee members representing clinical, public-health and advocacy roles. ‘‘Welcome, everyone, to our October 1 Infant Mortality Review meeting,’’ LaFlamme said as the session began. Attendance at the meeting was 18, as recorded during roll call.

The committee reviewed results of a scheduling poll for 2026 meeting dates and debated competing preferences. Members discussed three top options: first Tuesday 8–10 a.m., first Tuesday 9–11 a.m., and second Wednesday 5:30–7:30 p.m. Several clinician members said morning times conflict with clinical schedules and urged evening meetings. Paul Gacek, Public Health Services Manager at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, suggested relaunching the poll to narrow choices. After discussion, the committee selected the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for 2026 and LaFlamme said staff would send new calendar invites.

Julie Vigil, branch chief at the Department of Public Health, moved to approve the September minutes; Nicole Taylor seconded the motion and no opposition was raised. The chair then asked for public comment and none was offered.

The committee voted to enter executive session for a confidential review of infant-death cases. LaFlamme described the closed-door discussion as ‘‘a closed discussion to discuss confidential matters related to infant deaths in Connecticut requiring privacy.’’ Paul Gacek moved to enter executive session and Diana (co-chair) seconded; no objections were recorded before the executive session began.

After returning from executive session, the chair called for a motion to adjourn; the meeting concluded with thanks to members for their time and volunteer work.

Actions recorded in the meeting included approval of the September minutes, selection of the 2026 meeting schedule (second Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 p.m.), entry into executive session to review confidential infant-death cases, and adjournment. No public comments were received during the public-comment period.

Next steps: staff will distribute calendar invites for the 2026 schedule and chairs requested that members notify them if the established dates create conflicts.