Senate Resolution No. 2277

BY: Senator RIVERA

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 2024, as Sepsis Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2024, as Sepsis Awareness
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Sepsis Month; and

WHEREAS, Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection, which
can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death; severely restricted
blood flow from sepsis can lead to septic shock, requiring immediate
recognition and intervention to prevent death; and

WHEREAS, This serious health issue occurs when the body's reaction
is atypical, triggering alterations, which can cause significant damage
to multiple organs, amputations, and cognitive difficulties; certain
population groups are more vulnerable to developing sepsis, such as the
young, elderly, individuals with chronic illness, those with compromised
immune systems, and those facing systemic healthcare disparities; and

WHEREAS, One out of three people will develop sepsis over their
lifetime and 1.7 million more are diagnosed with this health condition
annually; and

WHEREAS, 350,000 people die each year from sepsis and approximately
50,000 New Yorkers are affected by this condition, including New York
State Senator Jose Peralta who died from sudden septic shock on November
21, 2018; and

WHEREAS, 87 percent of sepsis occurs at home or in the community,
and every hour of delay in treatment increases the risk of death by four
to eight percent; and

WHEREAS, National Sepsis Month is recognized throughout the United
States each September; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative upon all residents of this great Empire
State that attention be brought to this debilitating and
life-threatening health condition affecting so many of our friends,
family, and neighbors in New York State; and further, in support of
sepsis education, prevention, screening, early treatment and survivors,
and in legacy to lives lost; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2024, as Sepsis
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; Sepsis Alliance, The END SEPSIS - The Legacy of Rory Staunton, The
Home Care Association of New York State, and IPRO, a New York State and
Federal quality improvement organization.