Sepsis Alliance Mobilizes Advocates on Capitol Hill to Urge Immediate Federal Action on Sepsis

In recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month, Sepsis Alliance convened an impactful gathering of survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates from across the nation in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2025. The purpose was to urge Congress to prioritize critical sepsis legislation and funding. 

The event, funded by bioMérieux, commenced with an address from Lukas Haynes, whose four-year-old daughter tragically succumbed to sepsis. This heart-wrenching story set the tone for a knowledgeable panel consisting of: 

• Steven Simpson, MD, pulmonologist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Kansas, and Board Chair of Sepsis Alliance. 

• Kimora Branch, University of Alabama student and sepsis survivor, founder of Sepsis Hope Initiative for National Education (SHINE). 

• Angie Myers, dedicated medical laboratory professional and sepsis survivor. 

• Shannon Hale, Senior Director for Performance Improvement at Vizient. 

Throughout the discussion, panelists highlighted personal and financial impacts of sepsis on patients, families, and the U.S. healthcare system. Following the panel, advocate groups held several meetings with members of Congress to advocate for a national strategy against sepsis, fund state demonstration projects and data collection, enable faster diagnostics, and pass both the SEPSIS Act and Lulu’s Law to strengthen hospital protocols.  

Advocate and sepsis survivor Jackie Duda said, “Being on the Hill with Sepsis Alliance is an empowering experience that fuels me and gives me hope of making a significant legislative impact; meeting other survivors and families in person provides a rare opportunity to bond through our shared trauma and experiences.” 

Sepsis Alliance’s Hill Day marks a step in amplifying the voices of sepsis advocates. It calls on lawmakers to transform these vital discussions into actionable policies that can save lives and improve healthcare outcomes. “Sepsis takes too many lives and costs our nation too much. By bringing survivors and experts to Capitol Hill, we’re making it clear: the time for action on sepsis is now,” said Thomas Heymann, President and CEO of Sepsis Alliance. 

To learn more about sepsis and how Sepsis Alliance is driving change through critical advocacy and policy initiatives, or to support these efforts with a donation, please visit sepsis.org.

ABOUT SEPSIS ALLIANCE

Sepsis Alliance, a leading patient advocacy organization, is saving lives and reducing suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care. Through Sepsis.org, Sepsis Alliance Institute, Sepsis Alliance Voices, and Sepsis Alliance Connect, Sepsis Alliance is providing healthcare professionals, the general public, and those touched by sepsis with the education, support, and advocacy to save lives and limbs. Sepsis Alliance is enacting and influencing positive change for the 1.7 million people diagnosed with sepsis each year including the 350,000 adults and 6,800 children who die in the U.S. Infection prevention is sepsis prevention™. For more information on Sepsis Alliance, a GuideStar Platinum Rated and Charity Navigator Four-Star rated 501(c)3 charity, visit Sepsis.org.