How Donations Save Lives: The Transformative Power of Supporting Sepsis Alliance

Donor Generosity Drives Education, Innovation, and Life-Saving Impact 

When the sepsis program at a large hospital began in January 2021, the challenge was daunting. Tasked with building a new initiative from the ground up, the Sepsis Program Coordinator, Michelle Evans, MSN, RN, APRN, NP-C, faced a landscape where compliance with sepsis protocols was low and mortality rates in their hospitals were above national benchmarks. 

Determined to create change, Michelle sought resources and expertise, leading her to Sepsis Alliance. With donor support, Sepsis Alliance has created free, accessible educational resources for healthcare professionals and their patients and families in an effort to improve patient care and outcomes. These resources became building blocks for the brand-new sepsis program, speeding up improvements because Michelle didn’t need to start from scratch. 

From 44% to 82% Compliance 

Launching a multidisciplinary sepsis committee, Michelle recruited physician sepsis champions and pulled together leaders from all areas in the hospital including nursing, pharmacy, and lab. With limited resources, Michelle began by analyzing patient data and determining that their SEP-1 compliance rate was at just 44%. Leaning on Sepsis Alliance for free education and resources, Michelle started to transform the sepsis program.   

Through continued education of staff and providers, the team watched compliance with sepsis protocols soar from 44% to an outstanding 82%, placing them in the top 11% nationwide. More importantly, mortality rates dropped by at least 50% at both their large urban hospital and its smaller counterpart. At one point, the smaller hospital’s monthly sepsis mortality fell to an incredible 5.1%, the lowest ever recorded. 

“Mortality is my biggest driver, my reason that I come to work every day, so that we can send more people home with their families and with fewer complications,” Michelle shares. 

The Human Impact: Stories That Spark Change 

Numbers only tell part of the story. The true heart of the program’s success lies in its human impact. Early on, Michelle found inspiration in the survivor experiences shared through Sepsis Alliance, especially the moving testimony of Darrel Raikes, a sepsis survivor and Erin Kay Flatley Spirit Award winner.  Hearing about Darrel’s journey reminded staff that behind every statistic is a life and family forever changed. 

“That’s what made the biggest impact on me,” Michelle recalls. “Hearing his story, what he went through, it pushed me over the edge. This is more than just getting numbers. This is lives.” 

Darrel’s story, shared with over 100 staff members, became a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and renewed dedication.  

Education as Empowerment 

Donor-supported resources have been fundamental to this culture shift. Sepsis Alliance’s educational videos, brochures, and patient engagement tools became daily tools for staff and patients alike. A comprehensive 14-page patient education booklet, inspired and informed by Sepsis Alliance materials, now empowers patients and families with knowledge to understand and recover from sepsis. 

One patient’s reaction stands out. After multiple bouts with sepsis yet never fully understanding the condition, she received the booklet and said, “Oh, it’s so good now to know and understand what sepsis means, and what it is.” For Michelle, this was validating her consistent dedication: “That’s why I know we need to continue patient education.” 

Donors: The Critical Champions 

None of this would be possible without donor support. Michelle herself is now a donor, moved to give back because of the undeniable impact Sepsis Alliance has had on her hospitals and community. 

“I donate to Sepsis Alliance every year because the impact they’re making on sepsis care is undeniable. Their resources, especially the survivor stories and clinical education, are absolutely essential to the success of our program. We’ve reduced mortality by over 50% since launching our sepsis program, and I credit much of that to the tools and support Sepsis Alliance provides. I couldn’t have done what I’ve done without them.” 

Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect of Every Gift 

The work continues, and the need is ongoing. Each year, more nurses, more patients, and more families are touched by the ripple effect of donor-funded resources, education, and survivor connections. 

“I honestly don’t even think I could put into words the difference Sepsis Alliance makes,” says Michelle. “With every dollar, you’re helping not just one hospital, but hospitals and communities across the country and even internationally.” 

Thanks to donors, fewer lives are lost, more families are kept whole, and hope replaces uncertainty. Every gift can help change a life. 

You can help other health systems improve their sepsis programs by making a gift now.