U.S. Could (Finally) Legalize Condoms in Prisons and Jails

The Housing Works AIDS Issues Update Blog provides current and consistent useful information. This post by Julie Turkewitz is just one example of their work. Her posts are always well written, researched, and clearly focused. This one yesterday highlights a primary issue in the US that policy has avoided dealing with for years. Julie quotes statistics like "While an astounding 25 percent of the HIV-positive population passes through U.S. correctional facilities each year, just one percent of prisons and jails can legally distribute condoms". At Total Access Group we are happy to see action taken to make condoms available anywhere they have impact on reducing infection rates. Prisons look like an obvious to us. To get the full story read the full article.

The following is an excerpt from and provides links to:

U.S. Could (Finally) Legalize Condoms in Prisons and Jails

Posted by Julie Turkewitz , September 08, 2011

Incarcerated individuals may finally get access to a lifesaver: condoms.

A new bill would reverse the draconian policy of forbidding the distribution of condoms in federal correctional facilities, putting the U.S. in line with most European countries.
The legislation, called the Justice Act, was introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) in August, and could help address a seemingly intractable problem: the spread of HIV during and after incarceration. “We can no longer afford to ignore the reality that sexually transmitted infections can be spread within our correctional system,” said Lee. Read the full article....

New Condom Pal Colors just came in! New colors added are Pearl Silver, Honeysuckle Pink and Bright White. We created a Video Review so you can see them more clearly, take a look below! These condom carriers are pocket and purse friendly and help you carry protection in style no matter where you are.

NEW Sure Lock Reach Grabber - 20" Easi-Reach for syringe collection and picking up other small items

Take a look at the video of this on our youtube channel! This Reach Grabber is a very safe and secure tool for syringe collection outreach. Take a look!

• Perfect for picking up syringes or other small items.
• Featherweight aluminum reacher with circular rubber tips.
  
• Secure grip with delicate sensitivity to handle objects of various sizes and shapes.
• Wire driven jaw construction eliminates the string that can stretch and break.
• Easy-to-pull plastic handles have pistol-grip action for comfort in holding and operating.
• Sure-Lock automatic locking mechanism that holds jaws securely around the object being retrieved, and releases with a simple flip of the thumb. 3” Jaw Opening.
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"Safety First - The condom broke last night! What went wrong?"

The August issue of SHAPE magazine published a side bar titled "Safety First: The condom broke last night! What went wrong?".  The answer quotes Peter Chen, M.D., professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at University of Pennsylvania, "Condoms aren't foolproof. Leaving too little room at the top can causes one to stretch too tight and break, potentially exposing you to STDs, or an unwanted pregnancy"  

Yes, popular publications like SHAPE magazine really DO contribute to promoting safer-sex. We think popular media could take advantage of the opportunity to educate more than they do! 

SHAPE magazine goes on to suggest SENSIS condoms because it has a unique QuikStripsTM design that results in correct condom application every time, leaving the perfect amount of space at the head. Visit our webpage to see a video of how this condom works!

 

Durex Public Health Pricing Still Available Through July 1!

Reminder: Durex announced a price increase effective July 5th!   We have stock of many Durex condoms still at the public health pricing. Orders must be received by end of day July 1 and limited to items in stock to qualify. Beat the deadline, just a few days left to order!   Rainbow Colors Tropical Flavors High Sensation Her Sensation Performax Extra Strength

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Take the National Survey on Attitudes, Access, and Use of Female Condoms!

The Female Condom (FC) Access Working Group is conducting a survey to determine people’s attitudes, access, and use of female condoms. 

Female condoms are also referred to as FCs, FC2s, Reality, internal, or receptive partner condoms. Female Condoms are used by women, men, and transpeople for vaginal and anal sex to protect against sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy.  This survey is intended for people of all genders and sexual orientations who have engaged in vaginal or anal sex at least once in the last 12 months. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. 

No identifying information is requested or recorded. Survey results will help the Female Condom Access Working Group to improve community education, availability, and access to female condoms.

Please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FDHG3SX and take the survey.

The Female Condom Access Working Group is comprised of the Chicago Female Condom Campaign, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Houston Area FC2 Project, San Francisco Department of Public Health, State of New York Department of Health AIDS Institute, and Washington DC Department of Health. This survey is being distributed by Jessica Terlikowski, Director of Regional Organizing, AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Please email jterlikowski@aidschicago.org with any questions.

Please help get the word out about the survey by posting the link to your Facebook profile and sharing it with your networks!