Dignity Health St. John’s Hospitals Recognize September as National Sepsis Awareness Month

The month brings attention to this serious condition, which takes a life every two minutes

OXNARD, CA – (September 16, 2019) – Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center, recognize the significance of September as Sepsis Awareness Month. Only 55% of the U.S. adult population is aware of the dangers of sepsis, which is the body’s response to a life-threatening infection.

More than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with sepsis in America each year – one every 20 seconds. The risk for developing sepsis is dependent on a variety of factors, including immune system health and secondary conditions. However, if sepsis is detected and treated at an early stage, a full recovery is possible.

It is essential to know the symptoms of sepsis, so that individuals can seek medical attention. Some common infections that can lead to sepsis are urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep throat, influenza, and MRSA. If you’ve had an infection or suspect an infection, symptoms of sepsis include higher or lower than normal body temperature, mental decline (confusion, lethargy), and severe pain or discomfort.

“We encourage community members to take the time to learn and understand the signs of sepsis – especially during National Sepsis Awareness Month, says, “Robert Streeter, MD Chief Medical Officer, St. John’s Regional Medical Center. “If left untreated, sepsis can become a medical emergency, which is why we are motivated to educate as many people as possible.”

At St. John’s, Sepsis Quality Coordinator, Margaret Casas, RN, BSN dedicates her time to sepsis management by collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams of physicians, nursing leadership, educators, clinical informatics, and staff to develop care and recovery plans, train employees, and promote awareness.

“By raising awareness about sepsis, we are proactively enabling patients to advocate for their own health and be aware of the signs and symptoms,” says Margaret Casas, Sepsis Quality Coordinator for St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. “We are making it our priority to educate the community, hospital staff, and patients about how best to reduce sepsis, and this month of awareness helps us to do so.”

###

About Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley and DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.