September is Sepsis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes organ dysfunction.

It affects approximately 49 million people worldwide each year, and while anyone can develop sepsis, it is most common among infants, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Despite its prevalence, more than one-third of American adults have never heard of sepsis.

You can recognize sepsis symptoms early with TIME:

  • Temperature, which may be higher or lower than normal. 
  • Infection, which may present with visible symptoms. 
  • Mental decline, such as confusion, sleepiness or difficulty waking.
  • Extreme illness, which can include severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath.
  • These symptoms can escalate quickly along with the risk of dying. However, with rapid diagnosis and treatment, up to 80 percent of sepsis-related deaths are preventable.

This month, you can help spread the word with the Sepsis Awareness Month social media toolkit, including facts and graphics that make it easy to educate others. Consider including sepsis education in your community newsletter or simply talking about it with friends and family.

Governor Bob Ferguson has officially proclaimed September as Sepsis Awareness Month in Washington State, highlighting the importance of educating communities about the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the need for timely medical care.

Hospitals and health systems can promote sepsis awareness throughout September through staff education, social media, patient stories, educational materials, recognition of sepsis champions, quality improvement efforts and community outreach. Organizations can also use Sepsis Awareness Month as an opportunity to review screening and treatment protocols, celebrate clinical teams that have improved sepsis outcomes, and engage patients and families in learning the warning signs of sepsis. Every conversation matters.

Rosemary Grant
WSHA Director of Clinical Excellence
[email protected]