During Sepsis Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) are highlighting the dangers of sepsis, a serious medical condition that can affect anyone but poses higher risks for older adults. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation to recognize September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York, emphasizing the need to raise awareness and improve treatments.
Sepsis is a severe response to infection that can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is responsible for about 6 percent of hospitalizations and 35 percent of in-hospital deaths in the United States. While it is a leading cause of death in hospitals, most cases develop outside hospital settings, making early detection important.
“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,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated: “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.”
According to NYSDOH data, each year severe sepsis and septic shock affect about 73,000 adults and 600 children in New York State. Nationally at least 1.7 million adults develop sepsis annually; over 350,000 die during hospitalization or are discharged to hospice care.
To address this issue at the state level, New York implemented Rory’s Regulations after the death of Rory Staunton. These regulations require all hospitals statewide to adopt protocols for rapid identification and treatment of sepsis. Since their introduction in 2014 as part of the NYS Sepsis Care Improvement Initiative—which includes mandatory training on infection control—more than 16,000 lives were saved between 2015 and 2019 through improved detection and timely intervention.
Several organizations—including NYSOFA; Sepsis Alliance; Association on Aging in New York; Home Care Association of New York State (HCA); END SEPSIS; The Legacy of Rory Staunton—have collaborated on educational resources about sepsis for organizations serving older adults. These materials are available online in multiple languages at https://aging.ny.gov/sepsis.
“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,” said Thomas Heymann President & CEO of Sepsis Alliance.
Ciaran & Orlaith Staunton founders of END SEPSIS commented: “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…The bipartisan SEPSIS Act introduced into the Senate earlier this year…is a critical step…Visit https://www.endsepsis.org/legislative-action/ to contact your Senators…”
Al Cardillo President & CEO Home Care Association of New York State added: “The vast majority of sepsis-related infections originate in home and community…home health agencies are exceptionally well-positioned partners in sepsis prevention early identification…HCA urges all home & community health agencies to adopt & utilize these home health sepsis tools…”
Becky Preve Executive Director Association on Aging in New York stated: “Sepsis is a devastating life-ending & life-altering issue that is largely misunderstood…Understanding sepsis signs symptoms & interventions can change trajectory…”
Additional information about resources for public education on sepsis—including downloadable graphics—is available from NYSOFA’s website.
