A Journey To End Syphilis In Indian Country: Regional Syphilis Partnerships Summit Report
Overview
The Raven Collective is pleased to share the Regional Syphilis Partnerships Summits Report summarizing insights from three pivotal events convened in 2024 to combat syphilis in Indian Country. Held across the Southwest, Northern Tier, and Southern Plains regions, the Summits brought together over 170 participants, including Tribal leaders, public health officials, healthcare providers, and community advocates.
The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated, culturally responsive, and community-driven approaches to address the syphilis epidemic and its syndemic intersections.
Key Findings
Partnerships: Collaboration between Tribal, IHS, state, and local entities is essential to overcoming fragmented systems and fostering effective service delivery. Regular cross-sector meetings were highlighted as transformative in building trust, addressing service gaps, and enabling timely interventions.
Stigma: Stigma surrounding syphilis and related syndemics remains a barrier to prevention and care. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital in reducing stigma through culturally informed outreach and education.
Capacity: Workforce shortages, funding constraints, and fragmented data systems hinder public health responses. Investment in training, sustainable funding models, and workforce development is critical for long-term resilience.
Key Recommendations
Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaboration across health entities, enhance data-sharing agreements, and prioritize Tribal sovereignty in public health strategies.
Address Stigma: Develop strengths-based public health campaigns, empower CHWs as advocates, and integrate STI testing into broader health services to normalize care.
Build Capacity: Expand workforce training and retention initiatives, partner with Tribal colleges for tailored programs, and invest in flexible, long-term funding models.
Reform Funding Models: Advocate for increased and sustainable funding to address systemic challenges and support innovative, community-driven solutions.
Why It Matters
The syphilis epidemic in Indian Country is a pressing public health crisis exacerbated by systemic inequities and historical trauma. This report offers actionable strategies to strengthen responses through culturally aligned, Indigenous-led approaches that respect Tribal sovereignty and build community resilience.
Download the Report
Explore the full findings and recommendations to learn how we can collectively address syphilis and related syndemics in Indian Country. Access the Report Here.