As president of the T for Thomas charity, Yvette Clarke’s tireless mission is to educate everyday Australians about the dangers of sepsis. Each year, at least 55,000 Australians develop sepsis and 8,700 die from related complications.
Sepsis death and harm is preventable when diagnosed early, and medical care and antibiotics are provided quickly. This is the message that Yvette is working hard to get out among the general Northern Territory community and, more specifically, within Indigenous communities where the risk of sepsis is higher.
Since 2017, she has been passionately leading a group of rural ladies to raise funds and promote awareness of sepsis. In addition to public advocacy, Yvette educates healthcare workers on early recognition through her presentations at hospitals and healthcare providers across the Territory.
Yvette also allies with community and sporting events to get the word out. Her vision is that no Australian would be harmed by sepsis.