Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation recognizing September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York. Affecting nearly 50,000 New Yorkers annually, sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues.
“I commend Governor Hochul for proclaiming September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York. This important step will allow our State to continue to lead the national fight against this life-threatening condition that affects thousands of New Yorkers annually,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “I look forward to continue working with our government and advocacy partners to further support sepsis education, prevention, screening, early treatment in honor of those who survived and in legacy of those whose lives were lost.”
When the infection-fighting processes turn on the body, organs function poorly and abnormally. Certain population groups are more vulnerable to developing sepsis, such as the young, elderly, individuals with chronic illness, those with compromised immune systems, and those facing systemic healthcare disparities. Patients who develop and survive sepsis have an increased risk of complications and death later, as well as higher healthcare costs and longer treatment.
New York continues to be at the cutting edge of efforts to combat sepsis, developing and implementing policies and innovations across the healthcare system. Hospitals across the state are incorporating “Rory’s Regulations” and sepsis protocols and schools have implemented NY’s “Rory’s Law.” For over five years, home care agencies have been implementing a home care sepsis screening and intervention tool and protocol, developed by the state Home Care Association assisted by Sepsis Alliance and ENDSEPSIS, which adds a critical layer of screening in the home and community.
“HCA applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Health Chairman Senator Gustavo Rivera for proclaiming September Sepsis Awareness Month,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “The collaborative work of all health sectors, public educators and government officials is imperative to combatting this health and life-threatening medical emergency, which 87 percent of the time occurs in home and community. We at HCA and in home care stand as a critical and committed partner in this cause with fellow health sectors and under the national sepsis leadership of the Sepsis Alliance, and END SEPSIS-Legacy of Rory Staunton.”
“Sepsis Alliance is grateful to New York for honoring Sepsis Awareness Month in 2022 at the state level. Observances like this one can help to achieve increased sepsis awareness, which can improve time to recognition and treatment, ultimately saving lives and limbs from this devastating condition.” Thomas Heymann, President & CEO, Sepsis Alliance.
