NYSOFA and NYSDOH Recognize September as Sepsis Awareness Month to Raise Awareness of Life-Threatening Condition

 

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals

During Sepsis Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) warn New Yorkers of all ages about the risks of sepsis, a severe and life-threatening, but often preventable, condition. While anyone can develop sepsis, older adults are among those at highest risk.

Recognizing Sepsis Awareness Month in the Empire State, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation stating, “we must and will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of sepsis to help individuals recognize the signs of the medical emergency, and to strengthen sepsis treatments for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”  

Sepsis is the body’s extreme and life-threatening response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. While sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, approximately 90% of cases occur in the community, making early recognition by everyone critical. Approximately 6 percent of hospitalizations are due to sepsis and 35 percent of in-hospital deaths are due to sepsis. 

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “Sepsis can be deadly and does not discriminate by age. It is particularly threatening to older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions, so it’s vital to know the sign and symptoms. Get immediate medical help if you experience fever, extreme pain, high heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion and clammy or sweaty skin.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “People who are older, very young, pregnant or have underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection. As we recognize Sepsis Awareness Month, I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms associated with sepsis and act fast to seek medical treatment if they suspect this life-threatening condition.”

Recently, Director Olsen hosted a livestream with Thomas Heymann, President and CEO of Sepsis Alliance, and Orlaith Staunton, founder of END SEPSIS, The Legacy of Rory Staunton, to highlight efforts to raise awareness of sepsis. Watch it on YouTube.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop sepsis, NYSDOH says those at higher risk include: 

• Adults 65 years of age or older.
• Children younger than one year of age.
• People with weakened immune systems.
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, or kidney disease.
• People with recent severe illness or hospitalization.
• People who have had sepsis before.

Identifying Sepsis

It is crucial you get medical care right away if you have an infection that is not getting better or is getting worse. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a person with sepsis might have one or more signs or symptoms:

• High heart rate or weak pulse
• Confusion or disorientation
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
• Shortness of breath
• Clammy or sweaty skin

According to NYSDOH, severe sepsis and septic shock impact approximately 73,000 adults and 600 children in New York each year. Nationally, at least 1.7 million adults will develop sepsis. At least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice. One in three people who dies in a hospital had sepsis during that hospitalization. Among other facts provided by Sepsis Alliance and END SEPSIS, The Legacy of Rory Staunton:

• Every 90 seconds someone in the U.S. dies of sepsis.
• Sepsis claims the lives of more children than cancer – 18 children each day.
• Sepsis is the primary driver of readmission to a hospital (30-day readmissions).

Please visit NYSOFA's website for more data about sepsis and older adults. 

Sepsis and New York State

In September 2025, Governor Hochul proclaimed September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York State. New York State has long led in sepsis prevention and intervention efforts, including Rory’s Regulations. In response to the tragic death of Rory Staunton, New York State was the first in the nation to establish a statewide mandate requiring all hospitals to adopt sepsis protocols. The protocols were designed to improve rapid identification and treatment of sepsis. Sepsis awareness training is also mandated as part of the Infection Control and Barrier Precautions training required of certain licensed professionals in New York.

Additionally, since 2014, Rory’s Regulations and the resulting NYS Sepsis Care Improvement Initiative have worked with hospitals to: improve early detection of severe sepsis and septic shock; initiate timely interventions and treatment; and reduce overall death from sepsis. Rory’s Regulations, and the efforts by NYSDOH and New York State hospitals, saved more than 16,000 lives between 2015 and 2019.

NYSOFA, Sepsis Alliance, the Association on Aging in New York, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA), and END SEPSIS, The Legacy of Rory Staunton have worked together to provide sepsis education and resources for organizations that serve older adults, including social media graphics on the signs of sepsis. These are available in 12 languages for the public to share. See NYSOFA’s sepsis prevention webpage to download these and other resources at https://aging.ny.gov/sepsis.

Sepsis Alliance President and CEO Thomas Heymann said, “Sepsis kills more Americans each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and opioid overdoses combined, yet too few people know the signs and symptoms. We applaud New York State’s leadership in recognizing Sepsis Awareness Month and prioritizing education and prevention. By working together to raise awareness, especially among older adults and vulnerable populations, we can save lives and reduce the devastating toll that sepsis takes on families and communities across New York and the nation.”

Ciaran & Orlaith Staunton, Founders of END Sepsis, The Legacy of Rory Staunton said, “Rory’s Regulations in New York have effectively saved lives and spared thousands of families the heartbreak we endured by ensuring hospitals act quickly to identify and treat sepsis. But the colossal and preventable loss of life continues across our nation and demands the same bold, comprehensive response nationwide. After more than a decade of sustained advocacy following the death of our son, we are finally seeing real progress by federal health care agencies and Congress. The bipartisan SEPSIS Act, introduced into the Senate earlier this year, and championed by our own Senator Chuck Schumer, is a critical step. Real change is finally happening—and it will take all of us to make it a reality. Visit https://www.endsepsis.org/legislative-action/ to contact your Senators and urge their support for the SEPSIS Act."

Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) President and CEO Al Cardillo said, “The vast majority of sepsis-related infections originate in home and community, and home health agencies are exceptionally well-positioned partners in sepsis prevention, early identification, and rapid response – which is essential to save health and life in sepsis. The highest risk, most vulnerable populations for sepsis are mirrored in the populations served and reached by home health. HCA’s work with Sepsis Alliance, END SEPSIS, IPRO, the State Departments of Health and Aging, and clinical experts in New York State and nationally, led us to develop unique clinical tools and protocols that are used by home health care to detect and intervene when sepsis criteria are detected in an individual. HCA urges all home and community health agencies to adopt and utilize these home health sepsis tools to save lives, prevent sepsis disability, and help save hundreds of millions – perhaps billions – in health costs in New York and across the U.S.”

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, “Sepsis is a devastating life-ending and life-altering issue that is largely misunderstood. During Sepsis Awareness Month, NYSOFA and NYSDOH are working to provide information, education, and action to save lives and increase awareness. Understanding sepsis signs, symptoms, and interventions can change the trajectory of the long-term consequences of sepsis.”

Additional Resources

New York State Department of Health
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sepsis Alliance
END SEPSIS, The Legacy of Rory Staunton

Home Care Association of New York State    

Permits Filed for 2320 Belmont Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 2320 Belmont Avenue in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between East 183rd Street and Crescent Avenue, the lot is near the 182nd-183rd Streets subway station, served by the B and D trains. Kristian Saljanin is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 70-foot-tall development will yield 32,603 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 55 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 592 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 20-foot-long rear yard.

John Backos of GRID Drafting and Consulting LLC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is now vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

KRVC - Bookkeeping Bootcamp for Your Business

 

Bookkeeping Bootcamp

For Your Business!

Hey Bronx small businesses and entrepreneurs! Want to get a better handle on your finances?

We have extended the signup deadline to September 17th! 

​Join the Bookkeeping Bootcamp presented by CME Accounting LLC and TaylorMade Accounts, LLC, in collaboration with the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation (KRVC).

​This isn't your average, jargon-filled workshop. We'll help you build confidence with your numbers and get your bookkeeping questions answered in real time.

KRVC

505 West 236th Street

Bronx, NY 10463

• ​Part 1: Meet & Greet - September 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM

• ​Part 2: Specialized Topics - September 25, 2025 at 6:00 PM

• ​Part 3: Deep Dive - September 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM

​Ready to learn, connect, and grow? Fill out the survey by September 17, 2025 to let us know you're coming! 

CLICK THE LINK:

https://forms.gle/k6SHyNKEdsW7MtMj8

​#bookkeeping #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #nyc #bronx #finance #accounting #workshop #kingsbridgeriverdale #taylormadeaccounts #cmeaccounting

City of Forest Day is October 4

We are a little less than a month away from City of Forest Day — being held on Saturday, October 4th — and we are thrilled to introduce the theme for this year's Bronx City of Forest Day:  

"Meet Our Urban Forest; Rooted in Community." 

In the spirit of unity and creativity, an amazing group of Bronx-based organizations, stewards, and community partners came together during the peak of summer to develop a theme that truly represents the Bronx's vibrant community and its unique green spaces. Ashlyn Teather, a Partnerships for Parks community engagement coordinator, had this to say regarding the "spark" that brought this all together:

"This idea for a Bronx borough wide collab for City of Forest Day was sparked at a Friends of Shoelace Park meeting a few months ago, thanks to forest leaders Journei, Jenn, and Genesis, who also like to dream big and value connection. I’m new to the borough, but everyone I’ve met has shown me that forested green spaces and parks communities are special in the Bronx. The first theme brainstorm session, full of thoughtful discussion on Bronx’s forests, showed that to be true. I hope this first year of collaboration on CoFD helps link the Bronx parks steward community even more and celebrates our efforts. I look forward to everyone’s events on October 4th!"

Along with this theme, a set of customizable flyer designs were thoughtfully crafted by Partnerships for Parks Art Director Anne LaFond, inspired by multiple creative meetings with our dedicated Bronx partners.

All flyer designs are easily editable in Canva for hosts to personalize with event details and images. Simply upload your chosen Bronx City of Forest Day design (now in the CoFD Social Media kit) to Canva and insert your information and photos into the flyer.

You can also go to this link Click “Edit Template.” If you’ve never used Canva, you’ll need to register for a free account.  You’ll be able to edit the image spaces with your own photo and add text of your choosing, as well as add your organization’s logo. If you're not confident using Canva, no worries! Email nprice@cityparksfoundation.org with your event details and 1-3 photos, and our Urban Forest Plan team will be here to assist in creating the perfect flyer to help our Bronx hosts promote City of Forest Day events.  Thank you to all our Bronx City of Forest Day hosts for your unwavering dedication to NYC’s urban forest and community! We are excited to see the Bronx highlighted and unified through this inspiring theme. Please reach out if you have questions or need additional support. For questions or concerns, contact your borough community engagement coordinator: Robert Madera | Bronx Senior Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 4, 5, 7, 8 718.430.1815 | Robert.Madera@parks.nyc.gov Ashley Santos | Bronx Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 1, 2, 3, 6 718.430.4667 | Ashley.Santos@parks.nyc.gov Ashlyn Teather | Bronx Community Engagement Coordinator Community Districts: 9, 10, 11, 12 718.430.1815 | Ashlyn.Teather@parks.nyc.gov

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA SECURES STATE FUNDING FOR PART OF THE SOLUTION SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera joined Christina Hanson Executive Director of Part of the Solution (POTS) to present her with a $60,000 check to support their management and substance abuse counseling services through their Dignity and Wellness program. 

In 1982, POTS opened its doors in The Bronx with the mission to fight some of the most challenging obstacles of the times - homelessness and the AIDS pandemic. Since then, POTS has continued to pave its trailblazing path by offering a wide array of services to help Bronxites in need become self-sufficient. Just in 2024, they provided over 3,000,000 meals through their pantry and lunch service and served over 15,000 households.

The funding secured by Senator Rivera will help boost one of POTS’ three programmatic pillars, its Dignity and Wellness program. The program’s services include a mailroom, a hot shower, haircuts, access to medical and dental services, as well as substance abuse counseling services. Senator Rivera understands that in an effort to fight the substance use crisis in The Bronx, it is critical to rely on trusted community partners that have a direct impact on our community. 

“My team has built our partnership with POTS since my early years as a State Senator and countless constituents have benefitted from it. POTS’ comprehensive services, from meeting immediate needs to supporting long term stability, are critical given our borough’s intersecting challenges. It is my hope that the funding I secured will expand these services to reach more people in our neighborhood. I want to thank Executive Director Christina Hanson and her entire team for their advocacy and dedication to serving the Bronx,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Rivera for securing these critical funds for POTS. Our unhoused clients are in desperate need of support that extends beyond our essential wellness program. More than a shower and a haircut, these funds will allow us to help the most vulnerable of our clients have a chance at building more stable and hopeful lives. This partnership strengthens our ability to be here for our community, today and for the future,” said POTS’ Executive Director Christina Hanson. 

Governor Hochul and Bipartisan Coalition of Elected Leaders Meet to Highlight Shared Commitment to Standing Against Political Violence

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Provides Briefing, Highlighting Impacts of Incendiary Language on Threats

Bipartisan Group of State and Local Elected Officials Joined Security Briefing, Emphasizing Need for Bipartisan Political Cooperation

Governor Kathy Hochul convened a meeting with a bipartisan group of elected leaders to highlight a shared commitment to standing against political violence and bringing down the temperature on inflammatory rhetoric. The bipartisan group received a briefing from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services about the correlation of volatile language to an increase in threats of political violence. Political violence is preventable, and today’s meeting shows that bipartisan political cooperation can send a message that political violence is unacceptable.

“Incidents of political violence in America are not isolated, and here in New York, we are advancing the critical conversation addressing the disturbing rise of these political attacks,” Governor Hochul said. “Today I convened a bipartisan group of leaders to discuss what is truly necessary in this moment: reducing the temperature of inflammatory rhetoric that leads to violence and ensuring our communities are safe and tolerant places for all. We can debate our differences without demeaning each other.”

Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Jackie Bray said, “Condemning the violence is not enough, our leaders must also condemn the dehumanizing, radicalizing rhetoric that leads to violence. Today, we took time to walk through some of the worrying information and data that people in jobs like mine all over the nation use. It is my hope that this will better equip all of our elected officials here in New York, whether they are Democrats or Republicans, so that we can join together to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem.”

The briefing detailed information about the current threat environment. The following details and statistics were noted in the briefing:

• Lone offenders and small groups of individuals are motivated by a range of ideologies, socio-political beliefs and personal grievances.
• Lone offenders and small groups of individuals are radicalized online after exposure to large amounts of propaganda, mis-/dis/mal- information (MDM) and narratives that are amplified in both extremist and mainstream places.
• The data shows they are frequently inspired to mobilize to violence by previous attackers and current events and make plans to attack a wide range of targets using easily accessible weapons.
• In the last decade partisan-motivated terrorist attacks against government targets have increased from representing 0 percent of overall anti-government attacks to more than 50 percent in 2024.
• Recent surveys have found that 26.2 percent of Americans — over 68 million people — believe violence is usually or always justified to advance a political objective.
• In the two days following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, mentions of “Civil War” on X, formerly known as Twitter, jumped from less than 50,000 to more than 200,000.
• In June, Latin American communities and the mainstream political left entered the top ten targeted categories for the first time since August 2022. Their emergence corresponds with a spike in political demonstrations and recent acts of political violence, suggesting support for violence against these groups —and for political violence more broadly — in response to recent events.

The briefing also outlined a number of actions that can be taken by individuals to tone down the rhetoric, including:

• Condemning all acts of political violence regardless of motivation.
• Lowering the temperature by calling for calm and patience.
• Modeling respectful language when speaking about victims.
• Encouraging in healthy and nonviolent ways to express dissent and becoming politically active to promote change.
• Exercising free speech responsibly.
• Avoiding demonizing and dehumanizing any person or group.
• Do not amplify conspiracy theories and unvalidated and unvetted information.
• Do not exaggerate and use rhetoric of existential threats, including references to civil war or equate extremist beliefs with mainstream political parties.
• Avoid assuming motives or unknown information related to an incident without factual information

DHS Statement on ICE Officer Injured After Illegal Alien Hit Him with Car while Trying to Avoid Arrest

These dangerous attempts to evade arrest come after sanctuary politicians held webinars on how to avoid arrest and openly encouraged illegal aliens to defy ICE 

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Homestead, Florida, was injured in the line of duty by Henry Isaul Garcia, an illegal alien from Guatemala, trying to evade arrest. During a traffic stop the illegal alien put his car in reverse hitting an ICE officer in the leg—nearly crushing him.

After crashing into multiple ICE vehicles, the driver sped off into incoming traffic and collided with a black utility van.  

The illegal aliens exited the vehicle and attempted to flee law enforcement on foot. ICE officers responded to the scene of the vehicle accident, rendered aid, and detained the dangerous illegal aliens. All of the illegal aliens were transported to a local hospital for evaluation, discharged, and are now in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings. 

The illegal aliens arrested include: 

• Henry Isaul Garcia illegally entered the United States on or about March 10, 2022, near Eagle Pass, Texas.
• Ruben Sales Garcia illegally entered and was removed from the United States in 2007. He has illegally reentered on an unknown date and at an unknown location. 
• Marlon Gomez Hernandez illegally entered the United States in 2018 at an unknown date and at an unknown location.
• Jorge Perez Martin illegally entered the United States on an unknown date and at an unknown location.

The ICE law enforcement officer is in stable condition.  

“These dangerous attempts to flee law enforcement come after sanctuary politicians have openly encouraged and provided tips for how to evade our ICE officers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We are praying for the speedy recovery of our law enforcement officer. The violence against our brave ICE law enforcement must come to an end. This is the second incident in a week where an officer was injured while arresting an illegal alien. This type of rhetoric is contributing to our ICE officers facing a more than 1000% increase in assaults against them. It is time to tone down the rhetoric.”  

This is the second car accident in less than a week caused by illegal aliens trying to evade arrest. These dangerous attempts to evade arrest come after sanctuary politicians held webinars and provided resources and tips for how to openly defy ICE:

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosted a webinar in February providing tips for illegal aliens to evade arrests at homes, workplaces, or in public.
• Dan Goldman posted an video online calling on illegal aliens to make a plan for ICE encounters.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued multilingual flyers and online resources advising illegal aliens on how to evade arrest.

California Governor Gavin Newsom released guides and sanctuary laws advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest. 

Brooklyn Man Arrested for Setting Church and Residential Building on Fire

 

Defendant Allegedly Carried Out an Early-Morning Arson Spree Across Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill

A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Bryan Oviedo with setting fire to a church and a residential apartment building on August 20, 2025.  Oviedo was arrested in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and is scheduled to make his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Robert M. Levy.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner, New York City Fire Department (FDNY), announced the arrest and charge. 

“As alleged in the complaint, Oviedo went on a pre-dawn spree in residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn during which he set fire to multiple buildings, including a church and a residential building, while families slept inside, endangering lives and causing first responders to race to the scenes of these arsons,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “Our Office will vigorously prosecute this type of violent conduct, and work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our most sacred places, including homes and places of worship.”

“This arrest marks a critical step in restoring safety and peace of mind to our community,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Miller.  “The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, fire investigators, and the public were instrumental in bringing this individual to justice.  We remain committed working with our Federal and State partners to hold accountable those who threaten lives and property through acts of deliberate destruction.”

“While New Yorkers were asleep in the dead of night, Bryan Oviedo allegedly put them and their neighbors in grave danger by lighting their residences and a church on fire,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Our homes and houses of worship stand as walls of safety for every community, and I am thankful for the quick response of the police officers and firefighters who put their lives at risk to contain these flames. The NYPD will continue to work with our partners in the FDNY, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this arsonist is held fully accountable.”

“Arson is a reckless crime that places innocent New Yorkers and our first responders in harm’s way,” stated FDNY Commissioner Tucker.  “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our Fire Marshals, the NYPD, the ATF, and the U.S Attorney’s Office, this dangerous perpetrator has been removed from the City’s streets and will be brought to justice. This arrest demonstrates the strength of our public safety partnerships and how, together, we keep New Yorkers safe every day.”

As set forth in the complaint, between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on August 20, 2025, Oviedo was captured on surveillance video carrying a trash bag, wearing a distinctive skirt, riding the G train, and walking the streets setting fires to approximately 20 buildings across the Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York.  One surveillance video shows him leaning over a trash can under the columns of a church, located at 520 Clinton Avenue, and lighting the trash can on fire, causing substantial damage to the church.  Another surveillance video shows a porch area of a residential building located at 870 Pacific Street erupting in flames after Oviedo approaches in his distinct garb.     

The charge in the complaint is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Oviedo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.