This week the Philadelphia Department of Public Health launched TakeControlPhilly.com and its new free condom distribution program, featuring the Freedom Condom package (pictured at left) designed by Michael Bodenberger. Inside each package is a LifeStyles brand Ultra Thin Lubricated Condom. The condoms (Philadelphia plans to distribute at least 1 million of them)are available at 100 distribution sites around the city (several of the distribution centers also have female condoms available), and will also be mailed, for free, to Philly residents between the ages of 11 and 19 who request them online.
Philly's program is modeled on New York's successful NYC Condom program. The TakeControlPhilly.com includes sex education resources, information about sexually transmitted diseases including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphillis, HIV/AIDS, Herpes, HPV, and other diseases you should be aware of if you're having sex, including crabs and scabies, Hepatits (A, B and C, Molluscum Contagiosum, Non-Gonococcal Urethritis, Trichomoniasis, and Vaginitis.
Another key component the Teens Take Control program is the Zelda Guide to Health Services for Philadelphia Youth, a collaboration between the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Family Planning Council, Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s AIDS Activities Coordinating Office (AACO), and Connect to Protect at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Philly's Teens Take Control program also offers free and confidential exams, diagnosis, and treatment for a variety of STDs to all people over the age of 12. These free services include HIV Testing, and immunizations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV. Don't live in Philadeplhia? Check out MTV's GYT (Get Yourself Tested) STD Testing Center finder at www.ItsYourSexLife.com/Toolkit.
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