Sepsis Public Awareness Campaign
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overreaction to an infection. 1 person dies of sepsis every 2.8 seconds worldwide and those who survive have long-term impacts on their health. However, many people are not aware of what sepsis is...
To mark World Sepsis Day (September 13th, 2022), Sepsis Canada partnered with the BC Sepsis Network, Canadian Critical Care Translational Biology Group, Canadian Sepsis Foundation, Dr. Parsons Leigh's Applied Health Research & Knowledge Mobilization Lab with in-kind support from Action on Sepsis to create a comprehensive Sepsis Awareness Campaign. Throughout the month of September, Sepsis Canada and its partners shared information on sepsis via a digital public awareness campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
Supported By
Sepsis Canada and Canadian Blood Services Partnership
Sepsis Canada partnered with Canadian Blood Services for the month of September to raise sepsis awareness and promote blood donations for individuals affected by sepsis. Canadian Blood Services raised sepsis awareness by sharing information about sepsis online, through social media and at their donor centres. Additionally, Canadian Blood Services interviewed Christine Caron and Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud and published an article outlining "Why Blood Donations Are Crucial For Patients With Sepsis".
"Christine Caron lost three limbs to Sepsis, and without blood, she would have died because of her body's extreme response to an infection from a dog bite. "
Blood components are a lifesaving part of treatment for individuals affected by sepsis. Sepsis Canada encourages Canadians to book appointments to donate blood, plasma, or platelets at Canadian Blood Services Donor Centres.
To book an appointment, visit blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE.
Assessing Canadians Understanding of Sepsis
In collaboration with patient partners from Sepsis Canada, Dr. Jeanna Parsons Leigh, Dr. Kirsten Fiest, and their team have developed a survey to better understand to public’s knowledge about sepsis (what is sepsis, how does someone get it, signs and symptoms, its course, and its treatment). The team will examine if people have a different understanding of sepsis and different information needs based on their gender, age, education, income, or ethnic and/or cultural background. This bi-annual survey will inform future Sepsis Public Awareness campaigns. The survey was launched in partnership with Leger during the month of September.
Lighting up Canada for World Sepsis Day
Finally, in partnership with Action on Sepsis, Sepsis Canada lit up buildings, monuments, and other infrastructure pink across Canada for World Sepsis Day 2022.
