National Coalition of STD Directors

06/19/2026

On this day in 1865, enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth has been celebrated since 1866, and finally became a federal holiday in 2021. Activism has become a key part of modern Juneteenth commemorations, as people use the time both to celebrate and to highlight continuing disparities.

While we honor this day, it's important for non-Black folks to also recognize the work still left to do within the public health sector to eliminate health disparities affecting Black people and their care.

Watch our Juneteenth course on the NCSD Learning Center to learn more: https://bit.ly/4a88iji

06/18/2026

What can you expect during the UniversiDI Summit? 👀 Click through for an overview of the agenda and find out!

This interactive, day-long event is designed for disease intervention professionals and will focus on the Certified in Disease Intervention (CDI) program, including certification information, preparation resources, and training opportunities. The virtual summit will also include opportunities to connect with peers and learn from subject matter experts across the profession.

Learn more, register, and submit questions for our panel Q&A: https://bit.ly/4tAfTyG

06/17/2026

A recent case of a baby being born with syphilis in Arizona highlights how drug shortages, rising syphilis rates, and procedural hurdles are fueling a public health crisis around a preventable disease: congenital syphilis.

"In February, [NCSD] had asked Pfizer to donate a fraction of its Bicillin L-A reserves to state health departments, so they'd have it on hand as a backstop in case this kind of emergency arose. But Pfizer hadn't — and in early June, nearly four months after [NCSD]'s proposal, the company said it was still evaluating the idea of proactively sending out doses. This case in Arizona was a realization of the fears that had spurred the suggestion in the first place."

Read the full article from STAT:

Congenital syphilis should be preventable. An Arizona case shows how drug shortages and procedural hurdles are fueling a growing public health crisis.

06/16/2026

NCSD is excited to partner with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health to bring you the UniversiDI Summit, coming up on June 24! Click through for answers to some frequently asked questions about the Summit ➡️

Ready to hear from subject matter experts and connect with disease intervention peers across the country? Register now: https://bit.ly/4tAfTyG

06/15/2026

Did you know that nearly all cervical cancers could be prevented through HPV vaccination, routine screening, and appropriate follow up? Despite this, about 4,000 people die of cervical cancer in the US each year. Due to systemic barriers, stigma, and misinformation, many people aren't able to access prevention or care.

Want to learn more? Check out our online course, "Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Evidence-Based Treatment" on the NCSD Learning Center: https://bit.ly/4aLoeqs

In this course, we cover:
💡 An overview of cervical cancer
💡 Prevalence among different age and ethnic groups
💡 Evidence-based guidelines around detection
💡 Diagnosis and treatment options
💡 Impact of cervical cancer on a health, social, and economic level

06/12/2026

Did you know condoms are the only contraceptive that also protects against STIs?

They're also easy to get and easy to use! Many clinics or health centers give them away for free, or they can be purchased at a fairly low cost from most gas stations, convenience stores, or pharmacies.

Click through to bust some common condom myths, and make sure that you're scoring safely ➡️

06/11/2026

Pride month serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work that lies ahead in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Wondering how public health professionals can apply this to our work in s*xual and reproductive health? Watch our Learning Spotlight, "Embracing Pride, Promoting Health" for a few insights and ideas 💡

For more resources, check out the NCSD Learning Center: https://bit.ly/49SX2Hq

06/10/2026

Our next PriorityONE briefing is coming up tomorrow at noon!

Join Bettilou, the NCSD team, and public health workers and supporters from across the country for a discussion on Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS) updates.

If you're already signed up for our listserv, you'll get a meeting invite with a Zoom link the morning of as usual. Not signed up yet? Get started today: https://bit.ly/44CN0bA

We look forward to seeing you soon!

06/09/2026

Do you know what today is? 👀

6-7 has been getting a lot of attention lately, but June 9 is here to commemorate the OG: 69. Even if you're keeping focused on your oral fixations, it's important to stay on top of your health! Some STIs can still be spread through oral s*x. Click through for a quick breakdown ➡️

No matter how (or if!) you celebrate this very important holiday, we hope you keep it safe and fun. Find testing near you at gettested.cdc.gov ✨🌶️

06/08/2026

People with substance use disorder may be at a higher risk for , including STIs. Watch this American Medical Association discussion exploring how routine screening can help improve detection and treatment for patients with SUD: https://bit.ly/49Kqb7D

Learning objectives:
💡 Identify the infectious diseases that patients with SUD should be tested for
💡 Explain how routinely screening patients with SUD for infectious diseases can improve health outcomes
💡 Describe care models that can help increase access to routine screening for infectious disease among patients with SUD