Senator Gustavo Rivera and New York Health Community Commend Governor Hochul For Proclaiming September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York

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. 

“Through mandatory sepsis protocols in hospitals (Rory’s Regulations), and training requirements for healthcare workers, including home healthcare providers, New York leads the nation in the fight against sepsis. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners and the New York State Legislature to end preventable deaths from sepsis and we urge other states to follow New York’s lead and prioritize sepsis as a public health emergency.” Orlaith and Ciaran Staunton, END SEPSIS, the Legacy of Rory Staunton. 

“I would like to commend and thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Gustavo Rivera, the Sepsis Alliance, the END SEPSIS – Legacy of Rory Staunton, IPRO and the Home Care Association of New York State for their efforts to bring awareness and to educate the community about sepsis. As a severe sepsis survivor, I am especially aware of the physical and mental pain, the disability and all too often the mortality that sepsis inflicts on its victims. It is my fervent hope that these collective efforts will help reduce and perhaps one day eliminate the scourge of sepsis.” Allan Filler, Sepsis Survivor and Advisor to HCA’s Sepsis Initiative 

“Sepsis is no stranger to me as I have unfortunately been through sepsis not once, not twice, but many times. I currently have a central line which is intravenous access through the jugular vein in which I have daily nutrition, medication and fluid infusions. 

It is absolutely imperative to have the awareness of signs, symptoms and risks involved with sepsis along with specific protocol. The majority of the population have no hints, ideas, knowledge or experience of sepsis and that in and of itself is a recipe for disaster. Sepsis does not discriminate. Sepsis sometimes does not start with some big full-blown injury or illness. Something that the healthiest of people wouldn’t bat an eye at. The possible results of this are enormously life changing.  

I truly cannot stress the importance of continued education and protocols to be set up regarding this very emergent condition. I know given my intense history with sepsis, if the tools and education were not in place, it is a very big possibility I would not be here today writing this.” Jillian Thibault, Sepsis Survivor and Advisor to HCA’s Sepsis Initiative 

“HANYS has long worked with our members to improve early identification and evidence-based treatment of sepsis in adults and children,” said HANYS President Bea Grause, RN, JD. “Sen. Rivera has served as a formidable champion of sepsis awareness. We are committed to continued partnerships with our members, clinical experts and policy leaders toward the shared goal of improving patient care and outcomes.” Bea Grause, RN, JD, President, Healthcare Association of New York State 

“Through our Patients’ Rights Helpline we know that when a family is confronted with sepsis affecting their loved one that seconds can turn into minutes and minutes can turn into hours in terms of patient survival. Family caregivers know best when a family member is failing. If they understand the symptoms of sepsis they can advocate for the hospital or health provider to assist them. Broadening public awareness of the symptoms of sepsis will help save lives!” Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, New York StateWide Senior Action Council  

“The MCHF believes that addressing the sepsis crisis is an absolute healthcare priority. We thank those in both the public and private sector that are involved in the effort to address the causes and treatments of sepsis” Mother Cabrini Health Foundation 

“Sepsis is a stealth public health threat that remains unknown to many people despite claiming more lives than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and opioid overdose combined, including 350,000 Americans each year and approximately 50,000 New Yorkers. When sepsis is most treatable, at the earliest stages, it is also hardest to identify. Therefore, it is so important for people of all ages to know the signs – especially older adults, who are most susceptible. NYSOFA is proud to join our partner state agencies, the Legislature, and organizations like HCA in raising awareness of this deadly, but preventable, condition.” Greg Olsen, Director, New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) 

“Sepsis is a deadly condition that claims the lives of 350,000 Americans each year, but more than 1.4 million survive. IPRO is proud to partner with leading healthcare organizations throughout New York State and across the nation through data collection, public and professional education, and survivor resources. Together we are working to promote early identification of sepsis to enable emergent treatment and improved outcomes.” Sara Butterfield, RN, Vice President for Quality Improvement, IPRO