A Novel Response to an Emerging Epidemic: Partnering Public Health with Public Payers Across a Region of the United States

##BACKGROUND Syphilis rates have risen sharply across the United States over the past decade, with the Southeast experiencing a disproportionate burden—a region with the highest concentration of non-Medicaid expansion states. This initiative aimed to design a collaborative strategy between public health entities and public payers across the Southeastern United States to address the congenital syphilis crisis and establish a replicable framework for future public health needs. ##METHODS Public health and public payer leaders across the Southeast united through a multifaceted approach involving pre-summit sessions, an in-person summit, and post-summit convenings. Participants shared jurisdictional data, selected priority areas, and used findings to guide post-summit strategy. ##RESULTS Key outcomes included updated syphilis screening guidance, development of best practice standards, identification of high-impact syphilis measures and data points, and strengthened multi-state collaboration. ##LIMITATIONS Limited funding prevented some state leaders from attending in person; Georgia and Mississippi participated only virtually. Additionally, the absence of a designated “owner” to sustain momentum and navigate differing state structures for public health and payer systems presents an ongoing challenge to regional coordination. ##CONCLUSIONS Cross-state collaboration between public health and public payers is essential to addressing congenital syphilis. The Southeast’s approach fosters critical analysis, coordination, and momentum across the region. It also serves as a replicable model for tackling other public health crises.