September is Sexual Health Awareness Month and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has several activities planned for the public, healthcare providers and partners to raise awareness about the importance of sexual health and well-being. Through virtual webinars, toolkits, in-person events and social media, CCDPH is sharing information about how to prevent and control the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), promote safer sex practices and healthy relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20 million new STI cases occur every year in the U.S. The most recent data from 2023 shows rates of syphilis (including primary, secondary, and congenital) rose slightly in 2023 and remains at its highest level since the 1950s. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as skin-to-skin contact. Without testing and treatment, STIs can cause serious long-term problems, like infertility, pregnancy complications, chronic pain, certain cancers, and even life-threatening conditions.  To register for the webinars, visit www.cookcountyhhs.org.