In an attempt to reduce the number of sexually transmitted diseases, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has introduced a Facebook page and Facebook application to promote the city’s official condom introduced two years ago on Valentine’s.

 

Dr. Monica Sweeney, the assistant health commissioner for HIV prevention and control, said the Facebook page “will help million of people spread the word about condoms,” thus decreasing the number of people getting infected with HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, clamydia or other diseases.

 

With only a simple click, you will be informed on the latest statistics of these diseases among New Yorkers. For example, you can learn that New York has more AIDS cases than San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington D.C. combined. Moreover, approximately 14 New Yorkers are newly infected with HIV every day, while 30 New Yorkers contract gonorrhea and 160 clamydia.

 

“Condoms protect against contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly and consistently. They also prevent unintended pregnancy. We encourage New Yorkers to stay safe on Valentine's Day -- and everyday -- by using condoms,” Dr. Sweeney said.

 

By visiting the new page, New Yorkers can send e-condoms to their friends, thus reminding them to ‘play safe’ on Valentine’s and not only.

 

Additionally, the Health Departemtn will hand out free, NYC condoms for residents. The condoms will be available online via the Facebook page or at local doctor’s offices, hospitals and other city health establishments.

 

Since 2007, when New York City launched the nation’s first branded city condom, more than 70 million have been given away. Currently, more than 3 million condoms are given away each month.