The Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology is excited to announce that the second-annual Syphilis During Pregnancy Awareness Day, established by a proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul, is today Monday, August 24, 2026.
This maintains New York as the only state in the nation with a dedicated awareness day to combat congenital syphilis. This year, the state is leveraging this platform to highlight its comprehensive, community-informed Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework to guide ongoing prevention, testing, and treatment efforts.
key highlights
- Statewide Landmark Lightings: On the evening of August 24, 2026, several landmarks across New York State—including Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Empire State Plaza, and Niagara Falls—will be illuminated in magenta and white to spark vital conversations about maternal and child health.
- The New York State Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework: Developed by the community-led Strategic Planning Group, this framework outlines 24 targeted recommendations to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of syphilis statewide.
- Critical Syphilis Screening Mandates: The Department reminds healthcare providers that New York State law requires syphilis screening for pregnant individuals three times during pregnancy: at the first prenatal visit, between 28 and 32 weeks (third trimester), and at delivery.
- Bicillin® L-A Conservation: Due to an ongoing national shortage of penicillin, providers are urged to conserve long-acting Bicillin® L-A exclusively for pregnant individuals and infants, utilizing alternative treatments for other patients.
- Expanded Syphilis Testing Options: To increase access, The Department is actively promoting syphilis rapid point-of-care screenings as well as syphilis at home testing for community-based organizations working with vulnerable communities.
how you can help
- Read and Share: Review the proclamation and share it with your networks.
- Amplify on Social Media: Use the hashtags #SyphilisDuringPregnancyAwarenessDay, #PreventCS, and #KeepBabiesHealthy to join the conversation.
- Access Resources: Visit health.ny.gov/PreventCS to download patient and provider FAQs, educational brochures, and the Congenital Syphilis Elimination Framework.
For program-related questions or to request educational materials, please contact STDC@health.ny.gov or SHECAN@health.ny.gov.
