Shapiro Administration's Work to Combat STIs Leads to Dramatic Decrease in Reportable Diseases

Shapiro Administration’s Work to Combat STIs Leads to Dramatic Decrease in Cases of Reportable Diseases

Free STI testing, treatment, and counseling are available at all 59 State Health Centers to help keep Pennsylvanians healthy.

April 17, 2026
Harrisburg, PA – **** The overall number of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are on the decline in Pennsylvania, and to continue this downward trend, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is encouraging residents at-risk of acquiring an STI to get tested and connected to resources to help keep them healthy.

In Pennsylvania, cases for reportable STIs — gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis — are decreasing. From 2024 to 2025, the Commonwealth saw a 28% decrease in congenital syphilis in infants, thanks to the work of the Department of Health’s disease intervention professionals who helped ensure 90% of syphilis patients received treatment within 14 days, dramatically reducing further spread.

Today, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted the free STI testing, treatment, and referral services offered at all 59 State Health Centers across Pennsylvania during a visit of the Dauphin County State Health Center’s new location, 2433 Jefferson Street in Harrisburg, to mark Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week.

“Widespread access to prevention, testing, and treatment is vital to reduce rates of sexually transmitted infections in Pennsylvania. STIs can have lasting effects on people’s health – including increasing the risk for infertility,” said Secretary Bogen. “We want to ensure that people know that there are facilities across the state that provide confidential STI services – including our State Health Centers that offer free testing, treatment, and counseling for STIs.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Health operates 59 State Health Centers in counties across the Commonwealth. State Health Centers work to protect public health and prevent communicable diseases, including STIs.

Find more information about services State Health Centers offer to Pennsylvanians at health.pa.gov/shc.

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Editor’s Note: Video downloads and photos from the news conference at Dauphin County State Health Center are available on PAcast.