Sexually transmitted diseases are at an all-time high in California, and Marin is no different. According to the state’s health department, last year saw a record of diagnoses—likely due to the slashing of prevention and treatment funding as far back as the financial crisis of 2008. More than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis were reported statewide last year—a 45 percent jump from 2013. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain; syphilis can result in blindness and neurologic problems. Particularly concerning, last year, there were 30 stillbirths due to congenital syphilis in California, the highest number reported since 1995. Though there were no cases of congenital syphilis in Marin, the county’s numbers mirror the statewide trends for other diseases. Since 2013, cases of chlamydia have nearly doubled and those of gonorrhea rose from 84 to 220. “Most people infected with an STD do not know it,” Dr. Karen Smith, who directs the state health department, said in a recent press release. “Regular testing and treatment are very important for people who are sexually active, even for people who have no symptoms.” The state health department is collaborating with the education department to implement the newly enacted California Healthy Youth Act, which mandates comprehensive STD and H.I.V. prevention education in schools. Visit the health department’s website at www.cdph.ca.gov to learn more about courses for medical providers and teachers, expedited partner treatment at local clinics—and free and low-cost online ordering options for home delivery of STD test kits.