Published: April 16, 2026 | Source: New York State Department of Health

Opening Conversations, Reducing Stigma, Advancing Prevention

During Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week (April 14–20, 2026), the New York State Department of Health hosted a virtual roundtable bringing together experts from state agencies, New York City, and community organizations. The discussion focused on advancing prevention strategies, reducing stigma, and ensuring all New Yorkers have access to accurate information and compassionate care.

"Sex is a normal, vibrant part of life. Sexually transmitted infections are preventable and addressing them is in everyone's best interests," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "Screening tests are painless and effective treatment is readily available. 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."

New Data Released: 2024 STI Trends

The Department also released updated data on its STI Dashboard, featuring 2024 statistics for three nationally notifiable bacterial STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis

While some rates showed improvement, health officials emphasized that inequities persist across race, ethnicity, neighborhood, and other factors. Addressing these disparities remains a top priority.

Key message: Getting tested and knowing your STI status is a critical step in stopping transmission. Many STIs have no symptoms, so regular screening is essential for sexually active individuals.

Expert Perspectives: What Leaders Are Saying

On Health Equity and Reducing Disparities

Tina Kim, Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, NYS DOH:
"STI 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. 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."

On Access to Sexual Health Options

Dr. Rachel Hart-Malloy, Director of the Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology, AIDS Institute, NYS DOH:
"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."

On Compassionate, Affordable Care

Dr. Shaunna Escobar, Associate Medical Director, Division of Family Health and Title X Medical Director, NYS Family Planning Program:
"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."

On Normalizing Sexual Health Conversations

Dr. Brianna Norton, Deputy Medical Director, Office of the Medical Director, AIDS Institute, NYS DOH:
"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."

On Prevention Through Vaccination

Dr. Heather Dacus, Director of the Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control, NYS DOH:
"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."

On Local Action in New York City

Dr. Preeti Pathela, Executive Director of the STI Program, NYC Health Department:
"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."

On Communication and Empowerment

Courtney Brame, Founder and Executive Director of Something Positive for Positive People:
"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."

Understanding STIs: The Basics

More than 30 different infections can be spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as skin-to-skin contact. New York's STI Surveillance Report focuses on three bacterial STIs that are:
- Curable with antibiotics when diagnosed and treated promptly
- Potentially serious if left untreated, causing permanent damage to reproductive organs, increased HIV risk, or complications during pregnancy
- Transmissible to unborn infants if a pregnant person is infected
- Spread through blood, such as by sharing needles or other injection equipment

Why Testing Matters

Many STIs have no symptoms—you can feel fine and still be infected
Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing complications
Knowing your status helps protect your partners
Regular screening is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with new or multiple partners

Resources Available to New Yorkers

Testing and Treatment

Diagnostic testing: Confidential, often low-cost or free STI testing available at clinics statewide
Effective treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial STIs; management options for viral infections
Expedited Partner Treatment (EPT): Allows healthcare providers to prescribe medication for the partners of patients diagnosed with certain STIs, without requiring the partner to be examined first

Prevention Tools

Vaccines: HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines prevent infections that can lead to cancer and other serious health problems
Condoms and barrier methods: Reduce risk of many STIs when used consistently and correctly
Pre- and post-exposure medications: Options like Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) can reduce risk after potential exposure
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Daily medication that prevents HIV infection

Support Services

Partner services: A free, confidential program that helps link individuals diagnosed with STIs—and their partners—to testing, treatment, and care
Family Planning Clinics: Offer free or low-cost reproductive health services, including:
STI testing and treatment
A wide range of contraceptive methods
Emergency contraception
Condoms and other prevention supplies
Basic infertility services and preventive health care

The Vision: A Sexually Healthy New York

The New York State Department of Health Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology is dedicated to:
- Promoting sexual positivity through innovative public health practice
- Using data ethically to guide prevention and care efforts
- Individualizing and normalizing sexual health as part of overall well-being
- Working toward the prevention, treatment, and elimination of STIs
- Creating holistic community impact through partnership and education

How to Take Action for Your Sexual Health

For Individuals

✅ Talk with a healthcare or community-based provider about your sexual health
✅ Get tested regularly if you are sexually active—many clinics offer confidential, low-cost screening
✅ Use condoms and other barrier methods to reduce STI risk
✅ Consider vaccines like HPV and Hepatitis B if you haven't received them
✅ Communicate openly with sexual partners about testing, status, and prevention
✅ Seek care immediately if you think you've been exposed to an STI

For Providers and Organizations

✅ Create welcoming, non-judgmental environments for sexual health discussions
✅ Offer screening and prevention services that are accessible and affordable
✅ Stay informed about the latest guidelines for STI prevention, testing, and treatment
✅ Connect patients with partner services and community resources
✅ Help normalize conversations about sexual health as part of routine care

Learn More and Get Connected

For information on STIs, testing locations, and prevention resources:
- Visit the New York State Department of Health STI webpage
- Explore the NYS STI Dashboard for current data and trends
- Contact the Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology: stdc@health.ny.gov

For confidential testing and care:
- Locate a Family Planning Clinic near you
- Contact your local health department for community-based services
- Use the CDC's GetTested tool to find STI/HIV testing locations nationwide

For providers:
- Access clinical guidance and training resources through the NYS DOH
- Learn about partner services, EPT, and other prevention tools
- Connect with the Office of Sexual Health for technical assistance

The Bottom Line

Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being. STIs are common, preventable, and treatable—but stigma and silence can stand in the way of care.

By opening conversations, expanding access to testing and prevention, and ensuring compassionate, equitable services for all, New York is working toward a future where everyone can live a sexually healthy life.

Your health matters. Your questions matter. And help is available—without judgment, without shame, and without delay.

Content provided by Crestwood General. We share clear, respectful health information to support our community in making informed, confident decisions about sexual health and well-being.