It is estimated that there are 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States each year. Although infection rates vary from state to state, most states have populations or regions that are disproportionately burdened by STDs. For example, even states that generally have low STD rates may have, for example, counties with higher STD incidence rates in low-incidence states (see maps below). Across the country, health departments are instrumental in fighting these infections through surveillance, testing and prevention programs. Health departments can promote measures to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, such as educating the public about correct and consistent condom use. However, when an STD is not prevented, treatment is critical to avoid health complications and the spread of the infection. STD interventions such as EPT are cost-effective means of addressing potential complications while reducing the spread of infection and the risk of reinfection after treatment. STDs can be associated with numerous complications, including facilitation of HIV transmission, transfer of HIV from mother to baby during childbirth, and infertility. . Chlamydia and gonorrhea, the two most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is a leading cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. STD cases that progress to PID result in additional treatment costs of $1,167 per case.3 Potential complications of syphilis include blindness, heart damage, and nerve tissue damage. Public health interventions play a critical role in reducing these complications. According to data from a randomized trial, chlamydia screening programs can lead to a more than 60% reduction in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in racial and ethnic minorities. community. Potential factors contributing to inequity include citizenship status, mistrust of healthcare providers, insurance status, and social and economic conditions.7 Increasing national trends in gonorrhea rates reflect these inequities. From 2008 to 2012, gonorrhea rates increased 61.8% among American Indians/Alaska Natives (132 per 100,000 in 2012), 22.9% among whites (33.3 per 100,000) , 18.9% among Hispanics (62.2 per 100,000) and 14.5% among Asians. 17.2 per 100,000).7 Blacks saw a 15.5% decrease over the same time period, but rates remain high (458.7 per 100,000 in 2012 versus 33.3 per 100,000 among whites).7 Recognizing inequality in STD rates by race or ethnicity is an important first step in empowering communities to work to close the gap.7