White House Hosts Historic First-Ever Sepsis Event
We are thrilled to share the news from our friends at End Sepsis. On December 13, 2024, the White House hosted its first-ever sepsis-focused event, marking a milestone in the fight against this global health threat. This is a victory for sepsis advocates and a significant step toward reducing the 350,000 sepsis-related deaths in the United States every year and addressing the life-changing disabilities that sepsis survivors endure.
This historic event at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy aimed at convening the public and private sector action on early detection and treatment of sepsis.
The event brought together health leaders, advocates, and sepsis experts, it was prompted by the release of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Report to Congress, which provides an in-depth assessment of the sepsis burden in the United States. This report, which END SEPSIS helped advocate for, aims to quantify the toll of sepsis on the healthcare system, economy, and population.
Orlaith Staunton, Founder and Executive Director of END SEPSIS, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of patients and families, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and action. END SEPSIS, has been instrumental in driving a comprehensive federal response to sepsis.
“This Event is a major victory for the sepsis families who have campaigned to have the White House become more proactive on an issue that kills 350,000 Americans annually. We have intensely lobbied the current and past two administrations to do this; we are gratified that our hard work has finally borne fruit,” said Ciaran Staunton, Co-Founder of END SEPSIS and father of Rory Staunton, who died from undiagnosed, untreated sepsis at age 12.
Among the topics discussed were Rory’s Regulations in New York, the first mandatory sepsis protocol in the United States, which has saved over 16,000 lives since its implementation in 2013. These protocols are named in honor of Rory Staunton, whose untimely death was the catalyst for this groundbreaking initiative.
This event underscores our collective mission to raise awareness, improve early diagnosis, and enhance treatment for sepsis. As we continue to fight together against sepsis, we celebrate this achievement and reaffirm our commitment to reducing the global burden of sepsis.
Join us in our mission to fight sepsis, educate the public, and save lives. Together, we can ensure that sepsis is universally recognized as a medical emergency and that patients receive the timely, life-saving care they need.
About Sepsis
Sepsis is a global health crisis affecting 47 to 50 million people every year and causing at least 11 million deaths worldwide—one death every 2.8 seconds. The mortality rate varies between 15% and more than 50% depending on the country, and many survivors face lifelong consequences. In the United States alone, sepsis kills 350,000 Americans annually, underscoring the need for urgent action.