WHEREAS, September has been recognized nationally as Sepsis Awareness Month to raise awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death; and

 

WHEREAS, sepsis affects approximately 1.7 million Americans each year, including more than 75,000 children, approximately 6,800 of whom tragically lose their lives, while also contributing to hundreds of thousands of adult deaths and remaining a leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, sepsis is the leading cause of hospitalization costs in the United States, with annual expenses related to acute sepsis care and skilled nursing estimated at $62 billion, and sepsis survivors often face long-term health challenges, including shortened life expectancy, reduced quality of life, amputations, and post-sepsis syndrome; and

 

WHEREAS, communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing high-quality health care experience a disproportionate burden of sepsis-related complications and adverse health outcomes; and

 

WHEREAS, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance contributes to an increasing number of sepsis cases and remains a significant public health challenge in the Commonwealth; and

 

WHEREAS, increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, along with rapid diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, can save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis survivors;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 2026 as SEPSIS AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.