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Free condoms in Albany

By MARK O'BRIEN

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Perhaps you have seen the public service announcement talking about a free condom distribution program to promote safe sex.

It is an effort by the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York, thanks to a grant—and a healthy supply of condoms—from the New York State Health Department.

"This project in particular is really targeting college students, young adults and young professionals," says Julie Harris, who is the Deputy Director of the AIDS Council.

Harris says the goal is to help stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.  Across Albany, nearly 50 businesses have the condoms available for free.  Those businesses are not just bars, such as Jillian's on North Pearl Street.  Other locations include coffee shops such as Muddy Cup on Madison Avenue, clothing stores such as NY Gear on Central Avenue and barber shops such as Brick's on Central Avenue.  Barbers at Brick's say the free condom program is an important effort.

"Sometimes it might be a little embarrassing for them to stop by the local drug store or supermarket," says barber Freddie Johnson.  "If they can just sneak and grab one and put it in their pocket and go about their business, if that's what it's going to take to help save their life, then it's worth it."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, effectively using condoms lowers the risk of infection.  Organizers, however, say there are too many reasons why people do not use them, including cost.

"The harder they are to get, the less people are going to take the extra steps to get them," Harris says.  "So, if they're right there, you can just grab a handful."

The AIDS Council says about 12,000 free condoms are distributed every month, and that number is increasing.

"It gets a good response, and people seem to like it," says Trevor Everts, who works at Jillian's.

"Just because you're drunk doesn't mean you have to have unprotected sex," agrees Jillian's customer Rebecca Walsh.

The AIDS Council is also working with area colleges, including SUNY Albany, to make free condoms available to students, faculty and staff.  Organizers say this program is not about promoting sex but rather appealing to those who already are sexually active to be safe and use protection.