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Each September, schools and communities across New York State recognize Sepsis Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase awareness of sepsis, promote early recognition of its warning signs, and reinforce the important role schools play in supporting student health and safety.

Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection and is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt recognition and treatment. While sepsis can affect individuals of any age, children are particularly vulnerable because the early signs and symptoms may resemble common illnesses. Increased awareness among students, families, educators, and school personnel can contribute to earlier recognition and timely medical care, improving health outcomes.

In New York State, reinforces the importance of sepsis awareness and prevention within school communities. The law highlights the role of schools in supporting education that promotes early recognition of sepsis, infection prevention, and timely access to medical care when symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.

The impetus behind this important education campaign was the death of 12-year-old Rory Staunton, a resident of Queens, New York, who succumbed to sepsis less than a week after suffering a minor cut in school. We are stressing the importance of understanding what sepsis is, its signs and symptoms and when and where to seek medical care for such infections. You may access this information on the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Sepsis Webpage.

Instruction related to sepsis awareness may be incorporated into health education and other appropriate instructional settings as part of broader learning related to personal health, infectious disease prevention, recognizing signs and symptoms of illness, self-advocacy, and accessing healthcare services. Age-appropriate instruction can help students understand the importance of preventing infections through healthy behaviors such as proper hand hygiene, recognizing when symptoms may require medical attention, and communicating health concerns to a trusted adult.

Districts are encouraged to partner with families, healthcare providers, and community organizations to reinforce consistent messaging about infection prevention and the early recognition of sepsis. Publicly available educational resources may support local awareness efforts and complement existing health education programs. The Department acknowledges the availability of resources developed by , a New York-based national sepsis advocacy organization focused on sepsis awareness, prevention, and education. Schools and districts may consider these resources among available materials when developing or enhancing sepsis-related health education.

Questions related to health education may be directed to the Office of Standards and Instruction at P12StandardsInstruction@nysed.gov.