September is recognized worldwide as Sepsis Awareness Month, and at the University of Florida’s Sepsis and Critical Illness Research Center (SCIRC), we dedicated the month to education, engagementand action around one of the most urgent health crises affecting patients. 
Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection. It impacts more than 1.7 million Americans each year and claims nearly 350,000 lives. Raising awareness of its signs, risks, and long-term impact is central to our mission of advancing research, improving outcomes, and saving lives.
Community Events and Activities
Throughout September, SCIRC hosted a series of activities designed to inform, inspire, and bring our community together:
- Sepsis Awareness Table (World Sepsis Day, September 13th)
Visitors engaged with SCIRC faculty, staff, and trainees in the North Tower Atrium, learning about the warning signs of sepsis while picking up educational resources. - SCIRC Research Symposium (September 25th)
Our annual symposium highlighted new discoveries in sepsis and critical illness research, featuring a keynote lecture by Dr. Lewis Kaplan, along with presentations from UF faculty, trainees, and collaborators. - Sepsis 5K (September 6th)
Faculty, staff, trainees, patients, and community members laced up to run and walk in support of sepsis research. The 5K served not only as a fundraiser but also as an opportunity to celebrate survivors and honor those lost to sepsis. - Department of Surgery Grand
Rounds (September 26th)
Dr. Kaplan also delivered Grand Rounds, bringing cutting-edge insights on sepsis care and outcomes to the UF Health academic community. - We were especially honored to welcome the Cracchiolo Family, whose generosity and vision established the Cracchiolo Family Professorship in Surgery at UF Health, the College of Medicine, and the Department of Surgery. Their presence at Grand Rounds underscored the profound impact philanthropy has on advancing research, education, and patient care.
- We also extend our sincere thanks to UF Health, the College of Medicine, the Department of Surgery, and Surgery Chair, Dr.Upchurch for their continued leadership and support in advancing SCIRC’s mission.
Why Awareness Matters
Sepsis can develop rapidly, making early recognition critical. The Sepsis Alliance’s It’s About TIME™ campaign provides an easy way to remember the signs: 
- Temperature – Higher or lower than normal
- Infection – Signs or symptoms of infection
- Mental decline – Confused, sleepy, or difficult to rouse
- Extremely ill – Severe pain or discomfort
👉 Learn more: Sepsis: It’s About TIME™ — Sepsis Alliance
SCIRC’s Ongoing Commitment
At UF Health, SCIRC researchers, clinicians, and trainees are working every day to:
- Advance understanding of immune dysfunction and long-term complications following sepsis
- Build predictive models and digital tools for earlier hospital detection
- Train the next generation of physician-scientists in sepsis and critical illness research
- Partner with patients and families to support the recovery journey of survivors
Join Us
Sepsis Awareness Month may be over, but our work continues year-round. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or researcher, you can join us in this effort:
📍 Learn more about our research projects: SCIRC Projects
📧 To participate as a healthy control volunteer, email: SRG-SCRIC@ad.ufl.edu
📞 For questions, contact the SCIRC team at Amanda.Reifenrath@surgery.ufl.edu
Together, we can reduce the impact of sepsis, improve outcomes, and save lives. Thank you to all who joined us during Sepsis Awareness Month 2025 to make education, action, and hope a shared mission.