STD Directors Applaud Proposed Senate Funding Increase for STI Prevention 

Senate recommends funding to bolster critical STI prevention programs and takes targeted steps to address dire syphilis crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2024 
Contact: Elizabeth Finley, [email protected], (919) 749-7309 

Washington, DC – On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its FY’25 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill that includes a $2 million increase for critical STI prevention programs and addresses key gaps in the fight to gain control of record STIs. The funding increase comes amid record-high STI rates, including a shocking 32% increase in congenital syphilis in 2022 according to the most current available data. The committee also calls on HHS to ensure an adequate supply of Bicillin L-A, the only treatment for congenital syphilis, and encourage key federal agencies to expand research and screening efforts related to syphilis and gonorrhea. Additionally, senators from New Mexico earmarked $750K to offset workforce cuts in the state triggered by last year’s recission of $400 million in funds for disease intervention specialists (DIS) who provide STI services.  

David C. Harvey, Executive Director of NCSD, issued the following statement on behalf of the National Coalition of STD Directors: 

“Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee took important steps to help the nation meet the demands of an out-of-control STI epidemic. By recommending much-needed additional funding for base STI prevention programming, the Senate has demonstrated that they understand the gravity of this well-documented and well-publicized public health crisis.”  

“On top of increasing key spending, the Senate added laser-focused measures to help us navigate some of the most difficult challenges that have worsened the STI epidemic, like demanding action on the deadly ongoing shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only treatment for congenital syphilis, and investing in NIH research efforts on syphilis and drug-resistant gonorrhea. We’re also thrilled to see New Mexico’s Senators earmark funding to halt layoffs in their state triggered by last year’s disastrous recission of funds for disease intervention specialists, the boots-on-the-ground fighting STIs. We hope other Senators follow their lead and advocate for the funding their states’ need.” 

“FY’25 appropriations is not a done deal yet. It’s essential that Congress maintain the Senate’s recommended investments in STI prevention programs to ensure that states have the resources they need to fight an out-of-control STI epidemic in America,” says David C. Harvey, Executive Director of NCSD. 

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