October 21, 2021, Washington, DC – The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) is pleased to learn that the Senate Appropriations Committee increased federal funding to fight sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by $5 million in its Labor, Health, and Human Services fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations bill.

“It is great to see that the Senate followed the leadership of the House of Representatives and increased funding for STDs,” says David C. Harvey, NCSD executive director. “Doing so increases the likelihood of public health STD programs receiving the much-needed additional funding to combat rising STD rates, exacerbated by sharply reduced testing and treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

NCSD is also pleased with the $100 million increase to the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative at CDC, along with the $20 million set aside for STD clinics. However, NCSD is disappointed that the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is level funded.

DASH supports evidence-based programs that are proven effective at reducing risky health behaviors of young people and improving their engagement in school. “A recent study showed that students who receive health services and risk-reduction interventions supported by DASH engage in less risky sexual behaviors,” says Stephanie Arnold Pang, senior director at NCSD. “Increased funding will allow these programs to expand across the country.”

Adolescent health must be a priority, and NCSD will continue to urge Congress to provide funding for adolescent health programs at the CDC to improve sexual health and lower the likelihood of substance use, violence, and suicide.

For additional information, a summary drafted by the committee can be found here, the text of the bill can be found here, and the explanatory statement can be found here.