Syphilis Health Risks & Importance of Blood Testing - Historical Public Health Poster #252258 (License: Personal Use)

This mid-20th-century public health poster employs a modernist design with contrasting orange, blue, gray, and black blocks to emphasize the grave outcomes of untreated syphilis: heart trouble, blindness, deafness, and mental disorders. The stark, sans-serif headline “SYPHILIS MAY CAUSE” commands attention, while the call-to-action “HAVE YOUR BLOOD TESTED” at the bottom reinforces preventive care. Created during a national campaign to combat rising syphilis rates, it reflects both medical urgency and graphic design innovation of the era.

Used in clinics, schools, and public spaces during WWII-era U.S. health campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma around STI testing; targets adults seeking factual health information or historical public health materials.