Fatality reviews are a collaborative process where partners from public health, healthcare systems, law enforcement, human services, and more come together to review local deaths. Fatality review teams look at root causes so that they can better understand each case’s contributing factors, develop strategies to prevent future losses, and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in negative health outcomes. 

We currently lead three fatality review teams: 

Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)

The FIMR team was formed in 2024 to prevent local fetal and infant deaths. They review cases starting at 20 weeks gestation through newborns prior to hospital discharge.  

Child Death Review (CDR) 

The CDR team was formed in 2022 to review accidental child deaths that occur after a newborn is discharged from the hospital through age 18.  

Overdose Fatality Review Team 

The Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team was formed in 2021 in response to a record number of local overdose deaths. The OFR Team reviews a wide range of drug overdose deaths across all age groups. Check out our Substance Misuse & Prevention page to learn more about the Overdose Fatality Review team. 

Our Work in Action 

Both the FIMR and CDR teams meet quarterly to review cases and develop potential prevention strategies. Each team explores multiple factors throughout their review and discussion process, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare services, the social determinants of health, adverse childhood experiences, and more. After each review, the teams work to build strategies that address or prevent each case’s contributing factors.  

Many of the prevention strategies are facilitated through Community Action Teams (CAT). A CAT is a small, short-term team designed to address a specific challenge or barrier. We’ve facilitated multiple CATs, including teams focused on teen suicide prevention, Sleep Baby Safe education, and policy change within healthcare systems. 

Impact on Rock County 

Fatality reviews are a unique opportunity to prevent future loss. Whether it’s a small change, like an increase in knowledge about safe sleep, or something more complex, like policy change, local fatality review teams can improve Rock County’s health and safety for years to come.