CDC to Release New Vital Signs Report on Sepsis

On August 23, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will release a report about sepsis, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early recognition.  Sepsis, a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters.

What can you do to prevent and recognize sepsis to save lives? The CDC is offering six opportunities for you to learn more about sepsis from the new Vital Signs report and show your support during September in honor of Sepsis Awareness Month:

  1. Read and share new sepsis Vital Signs materials when they are released. / Look here for the CDC’s new Vital Signs materials at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23. CDC director, Dr. Tom Frieden, and the Society for Critical Care Medicine’s Surviving Sepsis Campaign Co-Chair, Dr. Mitchell Levy, will hold a media event to announce the release of the report.
  1. Share your personal story about sepsis on social media. / Starting on Tuesday, August 23, use the hashtag #ThinkSepsis on Facebook, Twitter and Instragram to tell how sepsis has impacted you or your family, and remind your friends, loved ones to #ThinkSepsis. You may also repost CDC social media about sepsis – look for it on Twitter (@CDCgov and @cdc_ncezid) and Facebook.
  1. Learn how other states have successfully tackled sepsis. / Participate in the state health department “town hall” meeting, “How Three States Tackled Sepsis.” The event takes place Tuesday, August 30, at 2 p.m. EDT via conference line (U.S. only) 800-857-0604 using passcode 795-4413.
  1. Join online for the 1st World Sepsis Congress. / The 1st World Sepsis Congress will take place completely online on September 8 and 9. Register here.
  1. Participate in a sepsis Twitter chat hosted by ABC News’ Dr. Richard Besser. / The CDC is hosting “Sepsis Twitter Chat” at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13. Follow and use #ABCDrBChat to join @CDCgov, @DrRichardBesser and many other partners as we educate and share about sepsis.
  1. Register for the CDC’s free webinars. / The CDC is offering two free webinars with continuing education for healthcare providers: Advances in Sepsis: Protecting Patients Throughout the Lifespan (Tuesday, September 13, at 3 p.m.) and Empowering Nurses for Early Sepsis Recognition (Thursday, September 22, at 2 p.m.).

The CDC encourages you to share these learning opportunities broadly with your colleagues and partners. Learn more about sepsis at www.cdc.gov/sepsis.