New Public Health Order in Colorado to Combat Congenital Syphilis

Colorado’s public health order addressing the rising congenital syphilis epidemic is set to take effect this Friday. The initiative seeks to enhance syphilis screening requirements for pregnant women, increasing the frequency from one test during the first trimester to at least three screenings throughout the entire pregnancy.

Congenital syphilis occurs when a pregnant person is untreated, leading to transmission of the infection to the unborn child. The incidence of congenital syphilis in the state has surged more than sevenfold from 2018 to 2023, escalating from 7 to 50 recorded cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that around 40% of babies born with untreated congenital syphilis either do not survive or die from related infections. Affected infants may also be born healthy but could develop serious long-term health issues, such as blindness, deafness, and developmental delays.

Under this new public health order, healthcare facilities and providers that evaluate and treat pregnant individuals must offer syphilis testing at the following critical points: during the initial prenatal visit or within the first trimester, during the third trimester, and at the time of delivery or in the event of fetal death beyond 20 weeks of gestation.

Additionally, the order ensures that testing is covered by Medicaid and commercial insurance without any copays and mandates that correctional facilities provide scheduled testing for pregnant inmates.

For residents who are not pregnant or displaying symptoms, free at-home test kits can be accessed annually via testyourselfcolorado.com.

Local testing is offered for free on Fridays and Saturdays at the Good Samaritan Clinic, located at 402 Grand Ave, but appointments are required.

Community Engagement Events

In other health-related news, a Cycle Safety Fest will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. This festival aims to bolster safety awareness among cyclists and motorists. The event promises motorcycle demonstrations, BMX rides, prizes, food vendors, and opportunities for attendees to practice their cycling skills.

Furthermore, Delta County is set to host the 4th Annual Champions for Children: Abuse Prevention and Awareness Fair on Wednesday, providing a platform for entertainment and education on child abuse prevention. This free community event, running from 3:30 to 6 p.m., encourages local collaboration for a safer environment for children.

MarillacHealth Fundraising Campaign

MarillacHealth is also making strides with its “$100,000 in 100 days” fundraising initiative aimed at constructing a new 27,000-square-foot health clinic. To date, they have successfully raised over $86,000 toward its ambitious $21 million goal. This facility will expand healthcare options for underserved populations in the area.

For those interested in contributing, donations can be made by visiting MarillacHealth.org or through direct contact with their offices.

This article is part of a health headlines feature compiled by Jace DiCola, a health and wellness reporter. For further inquiries, email him at jace.dicola@gjsentinel.com.