AJR198

A Joint Resolution designating the month of September of each year as “Sepsis Awareness Month” in New Jersey.

Whereas, Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection which occurs when the body’s reaction to the infection triggers an atypical response, causing tissue damage, organ failure, amputations, cognitive difficulties, and death. Severely restricted blood flow from sepsis can lead to septic shock, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent death; and

Whereas, Certain population groups are more vulnerable to developing sepsis, such as young children, elderly adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, those with compromised immune systems, and those facing systemic health care disparities; and

Whereas, According to the Sepsis Alliance, a national advocacy organization, sepsis occurs in some 1.7 million people annually, resulting in roughly 350,0000 adult deaths nationwide; and

Whereas, Each year more than 75,000 children in the United States develop severe sepsis, and 6,800 of these children die; and

Whereas, Nearly 2,000 New Jersey residents die each year due to septicemia and it is the State’s seventh leading cause of death; and

Whereas, Survivors of sepsis often face harsh complications. On average, sepsis survivors have a shortened life expectancy, are more likely to suffer from an impaired quality of life, and often experience after-effects such as amputations (14,000 per year in the United States) and post-sepsis syndrome; and

Whereas, Despite recent declines, New Jersey has long had a sepsis mortality rate that exceeds the national average of roughly 10 deaths for each 100,000 Americans. In 2023, New Jersey reported a rate of 16 deaths out of 100,000; and

Whereas, Communities that have historically lacked access to high-quality health care experience a disproportionate burden of sepsis-related complications; and

Whereas, According to State health data, due to racial disparities, the rate of sepsis for Black residents is 25 per 100,000, more than double the rate for white New Jerseyans; and

Whereas, Sepsis is the number one cost of hospitalization and the second-leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance is steadily increasing the frequency of sepsis cases; and

Whereas, Despite the severe danger and widespread occurrence of this condition, a survey conducted by the Sepsis Alliance found that less than 15 percent of the adults living in the United States can identify the symptoms of sepsis; and

Whereas, Increasing public awareness of sepsis can help ensure New Jerseyans seek appropriate medical care, are promptly diagnosed, and receive therapeutic treatments that can save lives and significantly improve the outcomes for, and the quality of life of, sepsis survivors; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of September of each year shall be designated as “Sepsis Awareness Month” in the State of New Jersey to increase public awareness of sepsis and help ensure that New Jerseyans with this serious condition seek appropriate medical care, are promptly diagnosed, and receive therapeutic treatments that can save lives and significantly improve the outcomes for, and the quality of life of, sepsis survivors.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing September of each year as “Sepsis Awareness Month” in New Jersey, and calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates September of each year as “Sepsis Awareness Month” in the State of New Jersey.

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection which occurs when the body’s reaction to the infection triggers an atypical response, causing tissue damage, organ failure, amputations, cognitive difficulties, and death. Severely restricted blood flow from sepsis can lead to septic shock, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to prevent death.

Certain population groups are more vulnerable to developing sepsis, such as young children, elderly adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, those with compromised immune systems, and those facing systemic health care disparities. According to State health data, due to racial disparities, the rate of sepsis for Black residents is 25 per 100,000, more than double the rate for white New Jerseyans.

Sepsis is the number one cost of hospitalization and the second-leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance is steadily increasing the frequency of sepsis cases.

Therefore, it is fitting to designate September of each year as “Sepsis Awareness Month” in New Jersey to increase public awareness of sepsis and help ensure that New Jerseyans with this serious condition seek appropriate medical care, are promptly diagnosed, and receive therapeutic treatments that can save lives and significantly improve the outcomes for, and the quality of life of, sepsis survivors.