Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic has released a comprehensive new report that highlights community insights surrounding the rise in syphilis, congenital syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections in Alaska. In a press release from June 27, the Homer-based clinic said the report underscores the continued need for access to education and health care in light of recent public health trends.
“This report confirms that the public wants to actively participate in their reproductive health. Yet, stigma and misinformation continue to impact STI prevention and care,” said Claudia Haines, CEO of KBFPC. “We hope this data reminds local providers, educators, and community leaders that syphilis and congenital syphilis are still an issue in Alaska and empowers them to join KBFPC in taking coordinated action.”
The assessment was conducted throughout 2024 and early 2025 with support from a Congenital Syphilis Prevention Grant awarded by the Alaska Department of Health. The data draws on community surveys, stakeholder interviews, and state and regional health data, providing vital context by highlighting the knowledge gaps in early signs for syphilis, the lack of standardized testing protocols for syphilis and other STIs, and the barriers to care that vulnerable populations face.
In 2025, Kenai Peninsula social service agencies and medical providers participated in interviews to gauge community awareness and resources surrounding syphilis and other STIs. Agencies were chosen to participate based on their connection to a population who may be at increased risk for exposure to or complications from syphilis and other STIs and included SVT Health & Wellness, Ninilchik Community Clinic, and Megan’s Place Needle Exchange.
Additionally, according to the new report, between April and September 2024, a “gamified syphilis awareness survey” was conducted by KBFPC staff at a variety of community events and locations across the Kenai Peninsula, including Salmonfest, Homer Pride Celebration, and the Alaska Run for Women.
The survey asked participants a series of four True/False questions designed to assess and spark conversation about syphilis and other STIs, including transmission, symptoms, treatment, and local trends. A total of 1,202 people were engaged at these events and 339 individuals, or 28%, participated in the token survey, according to the report.
Eighty-nine percent of survey respondents answered correctly when asked if an STI/STD is an infection someone can get through any kind of sexual contact, which the report argues shows strong foundational knowledge.
Ninety-four percent correctly answered “False” when asked if it is always obvious when someone has a sexually transmitted infection, indicating a strong understanding that STIs can be asymptomatic.
Sixty-nine percent of survey respondents answered correctly (True) when asked, “Syphilis is a treatable STI and the treatment is fairly straightforward.” Nineteen percent of survey respondents were unsure of the question, which the report states as suggesting an opportunity for messaging around treatability and ease of care.
Seventy-six percent answered correctly (True) when asked about whether or not Alaska currently has “one of the highest rates of syphilis, and other STIs, in the country.” Twenty-one percent of survey respondents were unsure in answering this question, which the report notes highlights an “important education gap regarding the severity of the epidemic in Alaska.”
The report also notes that one survey participant was “so shocked” by the statistics surrounding STI transmission numbers in Alaska that they took extra informational pamphlets to share with their friends.
Findings from the report state that barriers to access for patients include limited transportation, difficulty keeping appointments due to housing instability, minimal awareness of syphilis and its symptoms, stigma around STIs and public health services, distrust of government-affiliated providers, and clients’ “competing survival priorities.”
As one of only three dedicated reproductive health clinics in the state, KBFPC connects people on the Kenai Peninsula to STI information, testing and treatment services. The sliding-scale clinic serves clients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
The press release states that findings from the assessment will guide ongoing work at KBFPC’s flagship Homer clinic and pop-up locations, as well as expand community education efforts across the Kenai Peninsula.
To read the full report, you can visit www.kbfpc.org or contact KBFPC at info@kbfpc.org.
Editor’s Note: Reporter Chloe Pleznac worked for Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic from 2016-2018. Reach her at chloe.pleznac@homernews.org.
