Rates of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) are high and rising rapidly in the United States. Reported cases of syphilis (all stages) have increased 74 percent since 2017, totaling more than 176,000 cases in 2021. Although syphilis is relatively inexpensive to treat and cure, can cause congenital syphilis which may be fatal to the fetus, and is a predictor for HIV incidence, rates of screening for syphilis are low in the emergency department setting.

NACCHO is working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of STD Prevention (DSTDP) to support a convening or consultation with academic emergency medicine groups, advocacy groups, health departments, insurance, and medical center representation to discuss the best ways forward on screening practices for syphilis in emergency departments. This will include discussion of what the current best practices are, what is feasible, what are challenges, where there is consensus, and where there is disagreement. NACCHO seeks a consultant to design this meeting, perform meeting logistics, and handle all travel.

Applicants should provide a detailed description of their proposal and a budget not to exceed $75,000 and all activities must be completed by 7/31/24.

To learn more about this opportunity, check out the Request for Proposals here..