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.

Maiken Scott, Host and Executive Producer of The Pulse, will be moderating the event.

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