The United States is in the midst of a major sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) epidemic. Without question, the current rates of STDs are startling. Recorded rates are at an all-time high and are a troubling continuation of a trend that started five years ago and has persisted since then, with new records set each year.

This is a report of a Panel of five Academy Fellows. It provides the results of extensive information collection and analysis based on research and interviews conducted over the period of April to October 2019, and builds on Phase I, leveraging research and data. It describes the challenges and burdens—including the intergovernmental obstacles—confronting state and local public health entities in their efforts to address the STD epidemic within their communities.

Below are four ‘Actions for Consideration” recommended by the Panel:

1. Reform federal funding to enhance program agility across STD programs.
2. Expand access to care, with a focus on delivering community-sensitive and patient-centered care.
3. Enable more rapid data release and results of research.
4. Implement science-based, health-centric education and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage healthy behaviors.