Although we’re partial to the NYC Condom, there are many places to get condoms and find out more about your sexual health. Some of them are listed below.

Information for the Press

1971:The Health Department started distributing free male condoms, but distribution was limited to the city’s STD clinics.

1980s:With the onset of the HIV epidemic, condom distribution was broadened to HIV/AIDS organizations and organizations that provided services for injecting drug users.

1990s:A statewide condom distribution program in Louisiana showed that people were more likely to use condoms if they were provided for free and if they were widely available. As a result, the Health Department increased its free condom distribution area and expanded public outreach.

1998: The Health Department started distributing female condoms.

2005: The Health Department launched a condom website for easy access and ordering. Community service organizations began ordering condoms online and received free bulk shipments of male condoms. Average monthly condom distribution increased from 250,000 to 1.5 million.

2007: On Valentine’s Day, the agency set a national precedent with its NYC Condom campaign, a Lifestyles condom in a chic, branded Gotham wrapper aimed at catching the public’s eye and increasing free condom awareness and use in NYC.

A 2005 Consumer Reports article showed that the Lifestyles brand condom was one of the top seven preferred condoms, receiving excellent scores in both strength and reliability. Six months after the Valentine’s Day launch, the city’s average condom distribution increased to more than three million condoms a month!

2008: The renowned industrial designer Yves Béhar has given the NYC Condom a fresh new look. He has also designed an elegant dispenser (PDF) that is debuting in 200 pilot locations around the city on February 14th. Look for it in bars, restaurants, community service agencies and our STD clinics—and get some!