PURPOSE
The Neonatal Committee works to reduce infant mortality and morbidity through partnerships with Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), well-baby units, and infant healthcare practitioners across Texas
The committee leads statewide quality improvement initiatives, promotes evidence-based neonatal care, and supports alignment across NICUs to improve outcomes for newborns.
Past Quality Improvement Initiative
Newborn Admission Temperature (NAT) Initiative
The goal of the NAT Initiative was to increase the proportion of newborn infants with admission temperatures within normal limits, with the broader goal of increasing newborn health care quality and patient safety.
Current Quality Improvement Initiative
Lactation and Safe Sleep Opportunities in Texas (LASSO-TX)
LASSO-TX is a hospital-based quality improvement initiative focused on improving breastfeeding and use of mother’s own milk for Texas infants, along with promotion of safe infant sleep best practices.
Care Settings
Well-Baby Nurseries / Mother Baby Units
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)
Committee Leadership
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Sanjuanita "Sanjie" Garza-Cox, MD, FAAP, CHSE
CO-CHAIR
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Gillian Gonzaba, NNPC
CO-CHAIR
-
Susan Dimitrijevic, MSN, RNC-NIC
TCHMB STAFF LEAD
-
Olivia Reiten, MPH, CHES
TCHMB STAFF SUPPORT
Neonatal Webinar Series
01
AUGUST 6, 2026
Optimizing Cesarean Recovery to Support Breastfeeding and Lactogenesis
12:00–1:00 PM CT
Recording available
02
OCTOBER 13, 2026
What Happens After Families Go Home?
Understanding Real-World Breastfeeding Challenges and Parent Experiences
11:00 AM–12:00 PM CT
Registration / details
03
DECEMBER 2026
Congenital Syphilis and the Neonate
Date and time TBD
Details coming soon
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Upcoming Meetings
JAN
15
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
MAR
19
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
MAY
21
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
JUL
16
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
SEP
17
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
NOV
19
2027
Neonatal Committee
5:00–6:00 PM
Calendar dates are subject to change.