Virtual Roundtable Promotes STI Prevention Treatment During Awareness Week

New York State Department of Health Hosted Virtual Roundtable During Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week Promoting Prevention, Treatment and Open Conversations

WATCH: Expert Panelists from New York State, New York City and Local Community Highlighted Advancements in Prevention Strategies, Stigma Reduction and Resources Available to Promote Sexual Health

New Data Available on New York State Department of Health STI Dashboard

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 16, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health hosted a virtual roundtable panel consisting of New York State, New York City and community-based experts to discuss the work being done to advance prevention strategies and reduce stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during STI Awareness Week – observed April 14 – 20, 2026.

"I thank the panel of roundtable experts for their dedication to reducing the burden of sexually transmitted infections in New York State through prevention strategies and normalizing conversations about sexual health with partners and providers," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Sex is a normal, vibrant part of life. Sexually transmitted infections are preventable and addressing them is in everyone's best interests. Screening tests are painless and effective treatment is readily available."

The New York State Department of Health also highlighted new data that was added to the state's STI Dashboard with 2024 data on three nationally notifiable bacterial STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Getting tested and knowing one's STI status is a critical step in stopping STI transmission. It is possible to be exposed to more than one STI at the same time without knowing it, because there may not be signs or symptoms of the infection(s). All individuals who are sexually active should discuss their sexual health with a health care or community-based provider. Individuals who think they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection should consult a health care provider immediately about prevention, testing and treatment options.

NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said, "While we are pleased to see a decline in some STI rates in 2024, the inequities across race, ethnicity and neighborhood among other factors are not acceptable. The NYC Health Department is committed to investing in the necessary resources that ensure that New Yorkers have access to STI prevention methods. Every New Yorker, regardless of who they are, where they live, or how much money they make deserve access to safer sex tools they need to stay healthy."

The panel of experts who participated in the roundtable discussed advancements in strategies to diagnose, manage and prevent the spread of STIs, with a focus on promoting sexual health, stigma reduction and normalizing open conversations with providers and sexual partners.

Tina Kim, Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, New York State Department of Health said, "Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week plays an important role by not only raising awareness about sexually transmitted infections and identifying opportunities to advance efforts, but by recognizing the longstanding goal of eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity when it comes to sexually transmitted infection prevention, diagnosis and treatment. While many gains have been made to increase uptake of preventive strategies, there is more to be done given certain communities continue to be disproportionately impacted and how stigma strongly contributes to inequitable impact of sexually transmitted infections. The New York State Department of Health has successfully reduced incidence of a number of preventable communicable diseases including HIV, mpox and tuberculosis, and in the same manner will continue to focus on equitably driving down the rates of sexually transmitted infections so all New Yorkers can achieve optimal health and well-being."

Dr. Rachel Hart-Malloy, Director of the Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology, AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health said, "The goal of our awareness raising is to help folks learn that there are sexual health options out there for everyone and knowing where to go for accurate information is essential. We hope that our efforts support individuals in having open conversations with their sexual partners, receiving stigma-free care and seeking the best sexual health routine that works for them."

Dr. Shaunna Escobar, Associate Medical Director, Division of Family Health and Title X Medical Director for the New York State Family Planning Program, New York State Department of Health said, "Family Planning Clinics make sexual health care accessible, affordable and affirming. Services like STI testing and other sexual and reproductive health care are offered on a sliding scale based on income to most clients. Providers and clinic staff lead with compassion, without judgement and work to make it easier for people to have open, honest conversations about their health."

Dr. Brianna Norton, Deputy Medical Director, Office of the Medical Director, AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health said, "Sexual Health Care is Primary Care! Everyone should be able to have non-stigmatizing and empowering conversations with their healthcare provider about sex, at any age and under any circumstance."

Dr. Heather Dacus, Director of the Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control, New York State Department of Health said, "Some sexually transmitted infections, like HPV and Hepatitis B, are significant risk factors for developing certain cancers. Fortunately, we have powerful tools in the form of vaccines that can effectively prevent these infections and, in turn, dramatically reduce the risk of HPV- and Hepatitis B-related cancers."

Dr. Preeti Pathela, Executive Director of the STI Program in the New York City Health Department's Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs said, "The New York City Health Department is proud to join our New York State Department of Health colleagues in observing this year's STI Awareness Week. While our latest data show that rates of most STIs reported in New York City decreased or remained relatively stable in 2024 compared with 2023, STIs remain a public health concern. We are committed to reducing persistent inequities in STIs across racial and ethnic groups, age groups, genders and neighborhoods and ensuring New Yorkers have access to the sexual health services and information they need."

Courtney Brame, Founder and Executive Director of Something Positive for Positive People said, "Safe sex is communicative sex. The sooner we can get providers comfortable with communicating with patients about communicating with sexual partners, we'll see a direct correlation of STI rates declining because people will KNOW what they're being tested and treated for and become empowered to make much more informed decisions since they'll know about more of what STIs people can have."

Although there are more than 30 different infections that are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex and skin-to-skin contact, the State Department of Health's STI Surveillance Report focuses on three nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, which can all be cured with antibiotics from a health care provider. However, if left untreated these infections can cause permanent damage. Some STIs can spread to an unborn infant. They can also spread through blood, such as by sharing intravenous drug equipment like needles.

There are resources available that can help individuals get the sexual health care that they need to prevent or treat STIs, including diagnostic tests, adequate treatment, vaccines, pre- and post-exposure medications (ex. Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) and Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT).

Partner services is a free and confidential program through the Department that assists in linking individuals diagnosed with STIs and their partners to testing, treatment, medical care and other services to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

Family Planning Clinics are also available for free or low-cost reproductive health services, including a wide range of contraceptive methods, emergency contraception, condoms, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, basic infertility services and related preventive health care.

The New York State Department of Health Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology is dedicated to serving as a leader in sexual health through innovative public health practice and ethical use of data to promote sexual positivity and provide resources that directly and indirectly influence everyone to live a sexually healthy life. Their vision is to individualize and normalize sexual health; ensure the prevention, treatment and elimination of sexually transmitted infections; and implement holistic community impact.

For more information visit Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or contact the Office at stdc@health.ny.gov.