NYC health officials unveil app for free condoms
POSTED February 15, 2011 - 17:05 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Neelam Goswami on February 15, 2011 - 17:44
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Dr. Monica Sweeney, the city’s assistant health commissioner, said: “We want New York City to be the safest city in the world to have sex… A lot of people come here for that, so we want them to practice safer sex.”
She added: "We don't want not having access to be the barrier, we want condoms to be barrier."
The working of the NYC Condom Finder
New Yorkers with Android or iPhone devices can now download the NYC Condom Finder application from the Android Market or Apple's iPhone App Store.
Using global positioning system (GPS) technology, the app will help users locate the five nearest distribution centers for free NYC condoms.
Nearly 1,000 condom distribution locations throughout New York's five boroughs will be accessible through the app.
In addition, smartphone users can also manually enter an address instead of using GPS. The app will provide the user with specific directions, whether he needs to walk, drive or use the subway to reach the site.
It will also provide vital information pertaining to the types of products available and tips on condom usage.
Sweeny stated: "We are trying to reach everyone having sex. The younger generation uses their iPhone and we want to make it convenient for them to access condoms.
“A lot of people's minds turn to matters of the heart on Valentine's Day and matters of the heart often lead to matters of the body, so we think a lot of people use them that day."
An effort to promote safe sex
The NYC Condom Finder is the latest initiative by the NY City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to promote safe sex.
The city began a massive free condom distribution campaign in 1971 in an effort to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
NYC condoms are distributed at no cost around the city in community centers, health clinics, neighborhood stores, tattoo parlors and barber shops.
Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner stated: “The NYC Condom Finder is a useful tool to ensure that New Yorkers have access to free condoms wherever they are in the city.
"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."
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