Philadelphia celebrates national condom month

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In observance of National Condom Month this February, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health is spotlighting its successful condom distribution programs, Take Control Philly and Philly Keep On Loving, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safe sex practices among residents. These programs play a crucial role in reducing barriers to condom use, aiming to lower the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unintended pregnancies in the city.

Last year, nearly 738,000 condoms were distributed across Philadelphia through these initiatives, highlighting the health department’s commitment to accessible sexual health resources. Take Control Philly, launched in 2011, specifically targets the city’s youth aged 13-19, offering a response to the concerning rates of STDs within this demographic. The program allows teens to discreetly order condoms online, providing a variety of options including flared, ribbed, extra-large, latex-free, and female (insertive) condoms. Orders, which can be placed twice a month, include 10 condoms or two female (receptive) condoms, water-based lubricant, usage directions, and information on the city’s sexual health centers.

Building on these efforts, in 2012, the Health Department began the installation of condom dispensers in Philadelphia public schools, enabling students to access condoms from school nurses as needed. This initiative ensures that high school students have the necessary resources to practice safe sex.

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The Philly Keep On Loving program, introduced in 2022, further extends these resources to the broader community, offering free condoms, including Trojan brands and female condoms, through an easy online ordering system. Similar to Take Control Philly, each order is accompanied by water-based lubricant and educational materials on proper condom use.

In addition to online requests, Philadelphia residents can also obtain condoms at no cost from Health Center 1, partner organizations, and Health Department Resource Hubs. With 128 partner walk-up sites across the city, including universities, wellness resource centers, hospitals, bars, clubs, non-profit organizations, and more, the programs ensure widespread access to condoms.

These initiatives underscore the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s dedication to fostering a healthier community by making safe sex practices more accessible to all residents. Organizations interested in becoming a condom distribution site are encouraged to reach out, further expanding the reach of these vital health resources.

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