Locations Sought for Free Condom Distribution

by Laura Beckes/ECDH/Erie County HIV Task Force

Many people engage in risky sexual behavior that can result in unhealthy outcomes. In Erie County; HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia rates continue to rise. To help reduce sexual risk behaviors the Erie County HIV Task Force is continuing an initiative to reduce the number of infections in our community and we need your help!

The task force is currently developing a condom distribution program to increase the accessibility and availability of condoms county-wide, which in turn will help normalize condom use and decrease HIV and STD transmission in our community. We have undertaken a variety of strategies which include:

• Multiple condom distribution sites where people can obtain condoms FREE of charge throughout Erie County
• A social marketing campaign, which includes information on STDs and HIV, and locations where to get condoms.
• A traditional marketing campaign which includes flyers, news releases and ads.

We are hoping you will join us in the fight against HIV and STDs by agreeing to be a condom distribution site. The task force will provide you FREE condoms and confidential bags for distribution. If you are interested in becoming a distribution site please contact Laura Beckes via email lbeckes@eriecountypa.gov or phone 814-451-6786.