850: New CDC STD Lead, Circle Project Aims at Syphilis

JANSON SILVERS: 

This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Tuesday, February, 25 2025. I'm Janson Silvers. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

BRADLEY STONER: 

Our 2023 Surveillance Report was recently released and the data in that report are really at the top of my mind, particularly syphilis. And our syphilis epidemic is something that we're focusing on a lot here at CDC.

SILVERS: 

Dr. Bradley Stoner was recently named director of the Division of STD prevention at the CDC. Here, Stoner outlines the most pressing concerns.

STONER: 

I certainly believe that total syphilis and congenital syphilis are the most important priorities for CDC prevention efforts in 2025 but we also need to maintain a very close focus on antimicrobial resistant gonorrhea and to continue our monitoring of resistance trends for this organism.

SILVERS: 

Stoner adds that public health must continue to adjust how it addresses these issues.

STONER: 

We have had a siloed approach to STI treatment in the past, and we really want to expand it to really address these endemic issues that we see among populations at risk.

SILVERS: 

State and territorial health officials will play an important role in making progress on STIs.

STONER: 

So, it's important that we're all there to coalesce around those strategies that can make a difference. Our state and territorial health officials are uniquely positioned to help bring together the various areas and groups needed to meet people where they are.

SILVERS: 

Learn more about Dr. Stoner and his new role by clicking the link in the show notes.

The CDC isn't the only group currently focused on syphilis. Dr. Barbara Van Der Pol at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is currently working with the UAB Circle Project.

BARBARA VAN DER POL: 

This collaboration is trying to reach reproductive age women, especially those who can't get to healthcare routinely, and trying to offer them tests in the field where they are, so that we can look for syphilis.

SILVERS: 

The UAB Circle Project is a consortium that includes ASTHO, NACCHO, and other organizations. Van Der Pol says the project is looking for real solutions.

VAN DER POL: 

Or, if we come up with fantastic schemes, but it's cost-prohibitive for a local health department, we didn't do any good. So, the goal here is to really be comprehensive in that sort of 360 view of all the partners that have a stake in this.

SILVERS: 

The project has already reached out to several states for input.

VAN DER POL: 

Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico, and in each of those states, we're reaching out to both state and local health agencies to say this is what we're planning to do, give us your input in how you think it can best be accomplished.

SILVERS: 

You can find all of ASTHO's syphilis resources on the brand new web-based resource for syphilis. Use the link in the show notes to access it.

Also today, applications are now open for the 2025 ASTHO Leadership Institute.  Leaders of state and territorial public health agencies can apply today to be part of a cohort that will receive executive coaching, expert-led workshops, retreats, practical applications, and networking. Make sure to apply soon. The deadline is March 3.

Finally, this morning, a new member announcement: Dr. Erica Pan of California. Pan has been involved in public health for decades and currently serves as the director and state public health officer for the California Department of Public Health. ASTHO is thrilled to have her as part of the family. If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Pan, you can check the show notes for a link to her background.

That'll do it for today. We are back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Janson Silvers. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.