June 29, 2026 BY imani leave a comment
When public health issues start showing signs of progress, it’s worth talking about. And when that progress is happening right here in Hampton Roads because of real people doing real work, it’s worth celebrating.
That’s exactly why we recently joined 13News Now to share an update that matters: syphilis cases across Hampton Roads are beginning to decline, and community-driven outreach is a big reason why.
Stephanie Represented MASS on the Air
Our Outreach Supervisor, Stephanie, sat down with 13News Now to speak candidly about what MASS has been doing on the ground to address one of the region’s most pressing public health concerns.
Poised, knowledgeable, and passionate, Stephanie walked viewers through MASS’s commitment to connecting people across Hampton Roads to education, testing, prevention, and care — without judgment and without barriers.
This kind of visibility matters. Not just for MASS as an organization, but for the community members who may have seen that segment and, for the first time, felt like someone was speaking directly to them.
The Syphilis Crisis in Hampton Roads and Why This Work Is Urgent
Syphilis rates have been rising across the United States for years, and Virginia has not been immune. Hampton Roads communities, including Newport News, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas, have felt the impact firsthand.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact and, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term health complications. The good news? It is completely treatable, especially when caught early.
That’s why access to free STI testing, prevention education, and linkage to care is so critical, and exactly where MASS has been focused.
Early data is showing encouraging signs. While the work is far from over, the needle is beginning to move, and that progress belongs to every person who has shown up for this community.
What MASS Is Doing on the Ground
We don’t wait for people to come to us. Our outreach model is built around meeting people where they are: in their neighborhoods, at community events, and through trusted relationships that make conversations about sexual health feel safe and accessible.
Our team works every day to:
- Educate — providing accurate, stigma-free information about syphilis transmission, symptoms, and treatment
- Test — connecting community members to free and low-barrier STI testing options across Hampton Roads
- Prevent — distributing prevention resources and building awareness before infections occur
- Link to Care — ensuring that anyone who tests positive has a clear, supported pathway to treatment
This is relationship-based, community-centered public health work, and it’s making a measurable difference in the 757 area.
Progress Is a Team Effort
One of the most important things Stephanie emphasized during the segment is something we believe deeply at MASS: progress happens when communities, organizations, and public health partners work together.
The decline in syphilis cases we’re beginning to see is the result of collective effort (our staff, our partners, and the community members who trust us enough to engage with this work).
To every partner organization, every person who got tested, shared information with a friend, or simply started a conversation, thank you.
You are the reason this is working.
Watch the Full Feature on 13News Now
Want to see Stephanie in action and hear more about what’s being done to protect public health across Hampton Roads?
👉 Watch the full feature here:
Stay Connected With MASS
MASS remains committed to showing up for Hampton Roads through outreach, education, testing, prevention, and care.
Follow us for updates on upcoming testing events, community health days, and resources near you.
If you or someone you know needs to get tested or connected to care, reach out to us directly.