Mayo native's campaign sees Sepsis legislation introduced in US House of Representatives
END Sepsis - a campaign led by a Mayo native and his wife - has made history in Washington after succeeding in having life-saving sepsis legislation introduced in the US House of Representatives by Members of Congress Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ).
The legislation - the Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems, and Initiatives for Sepsis (SEPSIS) Act (H.R. 7116) - strengthens efforts in the US to combat sepsis and is companion legislation to the Sepsis Act (S. 1929), which was recently introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Schumer (D-NY), Collins (R-ME), and Kim (D-NJ).
The campaign has been spearheaded by Mayo native Ciaran Staunton and his wife Orlaith, founders of End Sepsis, the Legacy of Rory Staunton.
“Thirteen years ago, sepsis claimed the life of our 12-year-old son, Rory. To honour his life and protect others, Congress must pass this legislation and ensure it is fully implemented in every hospital, without delay," said Ciaran and Orlaith after this latest breakthrough.
“We thank Congressman Norcross and Congressman Kean for their unwavering leadership in advancing this life-saving sepsis legislation. Sepsis kills more than 350,000 Americans each year and costs the US healthcare system over $62 billion annually, yet far too many cases remain preventable with timely, evidence-based care.”
In April 2025, Congressman Norcross was hospitalised with a gallbladder infection that developed into sepsis, leaving him in critical condition. He has since made a full recovery, but his experience highlighted the urgent need for more national attention on sepsis prevention and treatment.
The Sepsis Act directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to dedicate staff and resources to sepsis, create an education programme to help hospitals adopt best practices for prevention and treatment, and provide Congress with updates on progress toward reducing deaths and complications. The Bill also calls for the development of a national outcome measure and creates a recognition program to highlight hospitals with effective prevention and treatment efforts.
Louisburgh native Ciaran Staunton has previously raised the issue of sepsis and the need for protocols in Ireland at a Joint Oireachtas Health Committee hearing.
More information on End Sepsis here.