Sepsis Alliance Announces 2015 Sepsis Awareness Month Upgrades

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and Sepsis Alliance has introduced new and exciting ways for individuals, medical professionals, healthcare industry partners and other organizations to help shine the spotlight on sepsis.

Sepsis, the body’s toxic reaction to infection, kills over 258,000 people in the US every year, and thousands more are left with life-altering disabilities, such as limb amputations, organ dysfunction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While sepsis may not always be prevented, the chances of survival increase dramatically when it is detected and treated in its early stages, particularly the first hour, or the so-called golden hour.

Sepsis Awareness Month was started by Sepsis Alliance to help raise the alarm on sepsis. Fewer than half of Americans have ever heard of sepsis, and Sepsis Awareness Month is designed to help spark conversations between patients, family members, and healthcare providers.

“People need to know about sepsis so they can seek treatment immediately if it occurs,” said Thomas Heymann, Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance. “Awareness of the illness is paramount. The goal of Sepsis Awareness Month is to educate the public about sepsis, its symptoms, and its causes.”

2015 marks the first year that HealthFinder.gov has listed Sepsis Awareness Month as a National Health Observance. This year, the Centers for Disease Control will be marking Sepsis Awareness Month with publications and blog posts focused on detecting and treating sepsis, as well as the real impact sepsis has on both individuals and our communities.

On September 17, 2015, Sepsis Alliance will host the fourth annual Sepsis Heroes, an event in New York City to honor individuals and organizations that have made an impact on sepsis awareness. Six recipients are slated to be honored this year, with tickets available for purchase online.

 

To help individuals and organizations show their support for Sepsis Awareness Month, Sepsis Alliance has introduced brand new products to its online store, including awareness ribbons, brochures, wristbands, and more. A new starter kit is available for hospitals and healthcare networks to help raise sepsis awareness. Sepsis Alliance has also expanded its CafePress store, which has a wide range of products including mugs, t-shirts, stickers, and tote bags.

Every year, more people and health organizations are holding community events throughout the country designed to coincide with Sepsis Awareness Month. To see what is happening in your neighborhood or facility, check the Sepsis Alliance Community Events page. If you are holding an event, either for the public or for healthcare staff, you can list your event by entering your information or by sending the information toinfo@sepsisalliance.org.

For those who love selfies and want to raise awareness, Sepsis Alliance is issuing a Sepsis Photo Challenge. Take a photo of you or someone else wearing a sepsis awareness item, such as a shirt or hat; using a sepsis mug; your car with an awareness bumper sticker; or even your dog wearing a doggie SA t-shirt and post it on Instagram or Twitter with the #SAM2015 hashtag, or on the SA Facebook page. You may find your photo on the Sepsis Alliance website!

To find other awareness ideas, such as changing your social media profile picture to the SA logo and mentioning Sepsis Awarness Month as part of your email signature, as well as a list of organizations actively participating in Sepsis Awareness Month, please visit: SepsisAwarenessMonth.org

About Sepsis Alliance

Sepsis Alliance is the leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization in North America promoting awareness of sepsis. Sepsis Alliance’s mission is to save lives by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency. The organization hosts national and community events, distributes educational information, and promotes training and education of sepsis and its devastating effects. Sepsis Alliance also provides support by giving patients and family members information about sepsis and Post Sepsis Syndrome, as well as a community forum to share their experiences. Sepsis Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is a GuideStar Gold Rated Charity and a founding member of the Global Sepsis Alliance. For more information, please visit www.sepsisalliance.org.