{"@type": "dcat:Dataset", "accessLevel": "public", "bureauCode": ["009:70"], "contactPoint": {"@type": "vcard:Contact", "fn": "ACF Data Team", "hasEmail": "mailto:ohsepr@acf.hhs.gov"}, "description": "To:\u00a0\u00a0 State,\u00a0territorial,\u00a0tribal,\u00a0and\u00a0local\u00a0administrators\u00a0of\u00a0agencies\u00a0and\u00a0programs\u00a0focused\u00a0on child, youth, and family health and well-being\n\nDear\u00a0Colleague,\n\nMaternal and infant health is an urgent priority, and a coordinated effort across health and human services is crucial to foster positive maternal health outcomes. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and other divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are responsible for many programs that support maternal and infant health, including home visiting, Head Start, child care, Medicaid, TANF, child support and others. One under-recognized risk to pregnant women and babies is the increasing rates of syphilis and congenital syphilis, now at their highest levels since 1950. While syphilis can be cured with proper testing and treatment, if left untreated it can lead to severe health complications and can be transmitted as congenital syphilis when an infected mother passes the disease to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This can result in outcomes that include miscarriages, stillbirths, low birth weight, and long-term health complications. Congenital syphilis is preventable with early detection and treatment.\n\nNew CDC data\n  \n  \n\n\u00a0paint a concerning picture, revealing that more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022\u2014a dramatic increase compared to just 350 cases in 2012. This tenfold rise over the past decade follows rising syphilis cases among women of reproductive age combined with\u00a0social and economic factors\n  \n  \n\n\u00a0that create barriers to high-quality prenatal care, declines in the prevention infrastructure, and a lack of access to resources. Of particular concern is the increase in\n  \n  \n\n\u00a0cases\n  \n  \n\n\u00a0among American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.\n\nHHS\u00a0established\u00a0the\u00a0National\u00a0Syphilis\u00a0and\u00a0Congenital\u00a0Syphilis\u00a0Syndemic\u00a0Federal\u00a0Task\u00a0Force\n  \n  \n\n,\u00a0led\u00a0by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH),\u00a0in September 2023 to work to reduce syphilis\u00a0and\u00a0congenital\u00a0syphilis\u00a0through\u00a0a\u00a0variety\u00a0of\u00a0efforts.\u00a0The\u00a0Task\u00a0Force\u00a0members,\u00a0from\u00a0a\u00a0variety of health and human services agencies across the federal government, have been working closely with many external partners to improve testing, treatment, and public awareness.\n\nWhile some of those most at risk may not be seeking or receiving health care or medical attention, they are likely receiving services and benefits from ACF-funded programs, as well as Medicaid, SNAP,\u00a0and\u00a0WIC, which are administered by\u00a0human\u00a0services agencies across\u00a0states,\u00a0counties, tribes, and territories. Human services providers can play an important role in addressing the syphilis epidemic by raising awareness and helping to facilitate access to early testing and treatment. There are simple tests and effective antibiotic treatments, but many people are not aware of their risks nor where to obtain tests. Staff at human services agencies have a unique opportunity to intervene and help protect the health of pregnant women and babies by educating clients on the risks and encouraging early and regular prenatal care, including testing, and treatment when necessary.\n\nHere\u00a0are\u00a0some ways\u00a0you\u00a0and\u00a0your\u00a0staff can\u00a0get\u00a0involved:\n\nThank\u00a0you\u00a0for\u00a0your\u00a0support\u00a0and\u00a0partnership.\u00a0Together\u00a0we\u00a0can\u00a0make\u00a0a\u00a0meaningful\u00a0difference\u00a0in curbing this epidemic and saving lives.\n\n/s/Meg\u00a0Sullivan,\u00a0MD,\u00a0MPHPrincipal\u00a0Deputy\u00a0Assistant\u00a0Secretary\u00a0Administration for Children and Families\n\n/s/David\u00a0M.\u00a0Johnson,\u00a0MPHDeputy\u00a0Assistant\u00a0Secretary\u00a0for\u00a0Health Director, OASH Regional OfficesOffice\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0Assistant\u00a0Secretary\u00a0for Health\n\nMetadata-only record linking to the original dataset. Open original dataset below.", "distribution": [{"@type": "dcat:Distribution", "description": "Access the complete Suggested actions to reduce syphilis and congenital syphilis for improved maternal and infant health on the official website.", "downloadURL": "https://acf.gov/policy-guidance/suggested-actions-reduce-syphilis-and-congenital-syphilis-improved-maternal-and", "mediaType": "text/html", "title": "Official Data Source"}], "identifier": "https://healthdata.gov/api/views/k7zs-4rs6", "issued": "2025-09-03", "keyword": ["foster", "guidance", "policy", "real", "time"], "landingPage": "https://healthdata.gov/d/k7zs-4rs6", "modified": "2025-09-06", "programCode": ["009:045"], "publisher": {"@type": "org:Organization", "name": "Administration for Children and Families"}, "theme": ["ACF"], "title": "Suggested actions to reduce syphilis and congenital syphilis for improved maternal and infant health"}