Facing the Facts: HIV, STIs, and Health Equity in the Philadelphia Region
STI rates in the United States are declining overall, but persistent disparities continue to shape who is most affected — and who has access to care.
According to the CDC’s 2024 Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report, the combined total number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis declined by 9% from 2023—marking a third consecutive year of decline. Even so, overall cases remain 13% higher than a decade ago, with more than 2.2 million cases reported. HIV diagnoses have also declined, falling 12% from 2018 to 2022, though over 39,000 people were newly diagnosed the next year.
Those mixed signals point to a deeper challenge: Why do disparities in sexual health persist, even as overall numbers improve? And what is the Philadelphia region doing to close the gap?
Join us in a panel discussion with WHYY News Reporters and representatives from other organizations who will talk about their reporting, research, and perspectives on the matter. There will be a Q&A session where attendees can direct their questions to the panel.
Moderated by: Maiken Scott, Host and Executive Producer of The Pulse, will be moderating the event.
Featured Panelists:
Lora Werner, Director of the Delaware County Health Department
Dr. Stacey Trooskin, Executive Medical Officer of the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia
Caryelle Lasher, Director, Camden County Department of Health and Human Services
Violet Comber-Wilen, General Assignment Reporter, Billy Penn
Nicole Leonard, Health and Science Reporter, WHYY News
Walter DeShields, Lead Facilitator, Philadelphia Area Sexual Health Initiative (PASHI), Public Health Management Corporation
This event will be live-streamed for attendees who wish to join virtually. A viewing link will be sent on the day of the event to all registered participants.
For questions or additional requests, please contact Brisa Luzzi Castro ([email protected]) or Rushawn Stanley ([email protected]).
Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland
