Health Department Launches NYC Condom Finder Mobile Phone Application in Time for Valentine's Day
New Yorkers can find condoms using mobile phone GPS technology to locate the nearest venues that distribute free NYC Condoms
This Valentine's Day, which is also National Condom Awareness Day, finding free NYC Condoms will be easier than ever. Today, the Health Department launched the NYC Condom Finder, a free smartphone application designed to locate the five nearest New York City venues that distribute free NYC Condoms. The application allows users to determine their location through either global positioning system (GPS) technology on their smartphone or by manually entering an address. The application also provides specific directions to each venue (the user can choose from walking, driving or public transportation directions), the hours of operation for each location, the types of safer sex products available and helpful tips on condom usage. With almost 1,000 condom distribution locations throughout the five boroughs currently accessible through the mobile app, New Yorkers will find that no matter where they are, they can always be protected from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancy.
To download the NYC Condom Finder application, New Yorkers with Android or Apple mobile phones should search for 'NYC Condom' in the Android Market or the iPhone App Store on their respective devices. The NYC Condom Facebook page will also have information about how to download the application.
The new application is the latest effort to promote condom use in New York City through the Health Department's free condom distribution program. These innovative attempts began in 2007 when New York City launched the nation's first branded city condom.
"The NYC Condom Finder is a useful tool to ensure that New Yorkers have access to free condoms wherever they are in the city," said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. "Using a condom every time you have sex protects you and your partner from contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms also prevent unintended pregnancy. We encourage New Yorkers to stay safe on Valentine's Day - and everyday - by using condoms."
If you choose to have sex, using a condom correctly and consistently is still the best method of reducing the transmission of HIV and other STIs, including Chlamydia, genital herpes, syphilis and hepatitis B and C. The Health Department also promotes testing and treatment to control these infections, if they are acquired. Partner reduction and regular condom use are the surest ways to reduce the risk of exposure to these potentially serious infections among New Yorkers who are sexually active.
About the NYC Condom program
New York City's free condom initiative began in 1971 when the Health Department started distributing male condoms through its STD clinics. Over the last 40 years, the NYC Condom program has distributed condoms in 3,000 public venues citywide (i.e., community-based organizations, clubs, restaurants), released the country's first municipally branded condom, and most recently, launched an NYC Condom Facebook page followed by an online NYC Condom wrapper design contest last year. The NYC Condom is a lubricated Lifestyles male condom - the same one sold in stores - but has its own distinctive wrapper and it's free. Any NYC-based organization, public or private, can order them in bulk by calling 311 or by visiting nyc.gov .
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