2008 Woodie Awards
Free, themed condoms for MobileFree, themed condoms for Mobile
Noel Richey
Contributing Writer
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
The "city that never sleeps" is apparently giving away free, NYC-themed condoms. The city already gives out 18 million condoms a year in their various public health clinics, but since Valentine's Day, there has been an effort to step that up, using themed packaging.
New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden, says AIDS and HIV are the third-leading cause of death for New Yorkers under the age of 65. The city feels that since sex is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, and barrier methods are the most successful ways of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, then the quickest way to lower the STD rate is to get citizens to start using barrier methods.
According to the National Survey of Family Growth, 92 percent of 22-24 year olds have had premarital sex -- a number up by 16 percent from 1985 and 33 percent from 1967. The strong indication is that premarital sex is not going to go away. Whether you are for or against it, the fact is premarital sex is on the rise.
With the STD rate rising almost as fast (according to the CDC, 65 million Americans are currently living with an incurable STD and another 15 million are infected each year), it's obvious that something needs to be done. HIV alone infects over 38,000 people a year, a number that has not dropped significantly since 2001.
So NYC is doing something. The New York condoms would be available at health clinics, bars, restaurants, nail salons, nightclubs and even prisons. Normal condom usage (i.e. real people using them as best they can, so this includes tears, breaks, late removals, etc.) has been shown by the CDC to be 87 percent effective at preventing HIV alone.
So why doesn't Mobile do this? Well, it sort of does. Condoms are available by the handful at the Health Department downtown, but how many adults actually willingly go to the Health Department?
It simply isn't the most pleasant experience to be found downtown. The Gift Spot and several of the local gay bars also have bowls full of condoms available to patrons, but many people, including college students, are uncomfortable in those places.
So why not make them available in places where college students actually go? If it would feel offensive to leave them out in sight of the entire building, then put small bowls in the restrooms - both male's and female's - and make sure they are refilled regularly.
That way, when that date turns out to be going really well down at Liquid, it would be terribly convenient to be able to excuse yourself to "powder your nose" and pick up a couple of condoms in the bathroom. Or when you're out with a group of friends, and one of them seems to be considering going home with someone, you could simply drop a condom in their pocket. It would also eliminate the excuse so many women hear, "But baby, I can't afford a condom …"
Overall, New York's idea is an excellent one. Mobile would do well to follow their example. After all, Mobile itself had nearly 1,400 new STI/STD cases reported in 2005 alone. We, too, could use a little help. Maybe Mardi Gras-themed condoms?
New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden, says AIDS and HIV are the third-leading cause of death for New Yorkers under the age of 65. The city feels that since sex is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, and barrier methods are the most successful ways of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, then the quickest way to lower the STD rate is to get citizens to start using barrier methods.
According to the National Survey of Family Growth, 92 percent of 22-24 year olds have had premarital sex -- a number up by 16 percent from 1985 and 33 percent from 1967. The strong indication is that premarital sex is not going to go away. Whether you are for or against it, the fact is premarital sex is on the rise.
With the STD rate rising almost as fast (according to the CDC, 65 million Americans are currently living with an incurable STD and another 15 million are infected each year), it's obvious that something needs to be done. HIV alone infects over 38,000 people a year, a number that has not dropped significantly since 2001.
So NYC is doing something. The New York condoms would be available at health clinics, bars, restaurants, nail salons, nightclubs and even prisons. Normal condom usage (i.e. real people using them as best they can, so this includes tears, breaks, late removals, etc.) has been shown by the CDC to be 87 percent effective at preventing HIV alone.
So why doesn't Mobile do this? Well, it sort of does. Condoms are available by the handful at the Health Department downtown, but how many adults actually willingly go to the Health Department?
It simply isn't the most pleasant experience to be found downtown. The Gift Spot and several of the local gay bars also have bowls full of condoms available to patrons, but many people, including college students, are uncomfortable in those places.
So why not make them available in places where college students actually go? If it would feel offensive to leave them out in sight of the entire building, then put small bowls in the restrooms - both male's and female's - and make sure they are refilled regularly.
That way, when that date turns out to be going really well down at Liquid, it would be terribly convenient to be able to excuse yourself to "powder your nose" and pick up a couple of condoms in the bathroom. Or when you're out with a group of friends, and one of them seems to be considering going home with someone, you could simply drop a condom in their pocket. It would also eliminate the excuse so many women hear, "But baby, I can't afford a condom …"
Overall, New York's idea is an excellent one. Mobile would do well to follow their example. After all, Mobile itself had nearly 1,400 new STI/STD cases reported in 2005 alone. We, too, could use a little help. Maybe Mardi Gras-themed condoms?
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