Date: May 27, 2026
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm
Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
Phone: (757) 236-0529
Hampton Roads Health Systems and Public Health Partners Report Significant Progress in Regional “Stop Syphilis” Initiative
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – One year after launching a coordinated regional campaign against rising infection rates, the Eastern Region Stop Syphilis Community Taskforce met last month to share critical progress updates and renewed commitments to eliminating syphilis in the community.
The taskforce—a robust collaboration among the VDH Local Health Districts, community partners, non-profit organizations, regional healthcare systems, correctional institutions, public schools and academic partners—convened on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to review two years of data and clinical outcomes.
Key Progress and Clinical Milestones The collaborative initiative has focused on a multi-faceted strategy: standardizing testing, streamlining referral processes, and launching a region-wide public awareness campaign. Data shared during the meeting highlights a dramatic increase in proactive community testing:
- Testing Volume Surge: Sentara Health reported a substantial 42% increase in testing from the project’s start through March 2026.
- Provider Engagement: Riverside Health (RHS) data shows a steady upward trend in syphilis test ordering since 2020, with approximately 83% of orders currently focused on the most at-risk demographic (ages 15–44).
- Early Intervention: Through expanded access, regional partners are identifying cases earlier, allowing for more immediate treatment and preventing further community spread.
The Road Ahead: Eliminating Congenital Syphilis The campaign is already delivering measurable progress: congenital syphilis cases have dropped by 25% across the Eastern region since its launch. Backed by a significant boost in testing volume, health officials are celebrating this momentum while remaining deeply committed to the urgent work ahead.
VDH data from 2025 highlights the ongoing need for action, and the taskforce is fully energized to drive newborn infection rates all the way down to zero.
“Every baby born with syphilis is a preventable tragedy,” said Dr. Susan Girois, Director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Our collective goal remains unchanged: to reverse infection trends across all demographics and ultimately eliminate congenital syphilis entirely.”.
A Unified Message to the Community The taskforce continues to promote its streamlined public message: Get Tested. Get Treated. Stop Syphilis.. Residents are encouraged to visit StopSyphilisNow.com to find testing locations and schedule appointments.
April’s meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all regional healthcare systems to maintain standardized testing protocols and expand outreach to vulnerable populations.
About the Stop Syphilis Initiative The Eastern Region Stop Syphilis Initiative is a joint effort among the Virginia Department of Health, local non-profits, and major health systems, including Sentara, Riverside, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, Bon Secours, and the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, supported by local universities and community partners.
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