Planned Parenthood Kicks off National Condom Week

ALBANY, NY (02/11/2009)(readMedia)-- When the National Condom Week team came to the Muddy Cup on Madison Avenue Monday night, it took only a few minutes to set up the roulette wheel and start the games. Young men and women lined up to spin the wheel and answer questions about HIV/AIDS, safer sex, pregnancy prevention and proper condom use. The reward for a right answer was a safer sex kit from Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. The reward for a wrong answer was ringing laughter, and even a few boos or cat calls from those looking on. But everyone had a second chance, often followed by loud applause, and eventually everyone won a safer sex kit containing condoms, lube, a dental dam and finger cot, plus information about UHPP programs and services include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and free Emergency Contraception.

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood has involved local businesses in promoting and celebrating National Condom Week for ten years. This year, between February 7 and 14, UHPP will provide participating businesses with drink coasters that promote either Planned Parenthood Proper Attire condoms or the UHPP Captain Condom character and the phrase No Glove No Love!. The back of the coasters provide information about where to call for testing appointments. At specific locations, a team of UHPP staff and young volunteers will come in to pass out safer sex kits and engage patrons in games designed to test and increased knowledge about sexual health and responsibility.

Events are currently scheduled for Monday night at the Muddy Cup on Madison Avenue, Wednesday night from 9:00 to 11:00pm at Tess' Lark Tavern, Thursday night from 11:30pm to 1:20am at Waterworks Pub on Central Avenue, Friday night from 11:30pm to 1:30am at both Bogie's on Central Avenue and the Bayou Cafe on North Pearl Street, and Saturday night at Jillian's from midnight to 2am.

National Condom Week is a national effort, sponsored by over 100 health and youth-focus agencies and organizations. It's primary purpose is to educate sexually active Americans about the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections, the risks they pose if they are not detected and treated, and the best methods for prevention including proper use of condoms.

According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study, more than 4% of young people in the U.S. have tested positive for chlamydia. In addition the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in every 4 sexually active persons has acquired a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and that 1 of every 2 new STIs occurs in young people under the age of 20. Since many people do not even realize they have a STI, they may unknowingly pass it on to their partners.

"At UHPP, we work every day to provide prevention education, as well as affordable and confidential testing and treatment services, explained Patricia McGeown, President/CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. "However, it is an alarming truth that our young people seem to know less and less about how to protect themselves, while their risk continues to increase. National Condom Week is one of many activities we employ in our ongoing initiative, called Real Sex Ed Saves Lives, to expand and improve sex education in the Capital Region. The cooperation and support of local businesses in this effort is wonderful and sincerely appreciated."

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UHPP operates four health centers and serves over 10,000 patients each year in Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer and Greene Counties. All centers provide confidential STI testing and treatment, as well as HIV testing and counseling. UHPP educators provide over 500 programs each year to young people and professionals around the Capital Region.