Watch CBS News

Free KYNG Size Condoms Available From NYC Dept. Of Health In Time For Valentine's Day

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just in time for Valentine's Day, the New York City Department of Health is launching a new ad campaign to promote condom use.

The campaign, which was launched Friday at the Museum of Sex as part of National Condom Awareness Day, is called "Be Sexy. Be Safe."

It features words that health officials say best describes the NYC Condom, including "exciting, great fit, strong, easy access, fun and available." The ads will run in English and Spanish on social media and in subway cars through April.

It's all part of the health department's ongoing effort to promote safer sex by making free, NYC-branded condoms available at more than 3,500 locations throughout the city.

Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said her department has "wrapped the city in high-quality latex.''

NYC Health Dept. Launches New Ad Campaign To Promote Condom Use

"Using condoms protects you and your partner against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies," Bassett said. "The protection provided by our NYC Condoms allows New Yorkers to enjoy happier and healthier sex lives."

Health officials said the city will be offering two types of free condoms manufactured by LifeStyles, including the larger KYNG-size option which the city added last year.

"We've gotten the feedback that we should have more options and not just one size, but have some variability," Assistant Commissioner Dr. Demetre Daskalakis told 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa. "New York is a big city, they need a bigger condom. They need some more room."

The standard size is now in a bright blue package and Bassett said 37 million free condoms were distributed last year.

"And if you don't know where to find them or if you've left home without one, you can download our NYC Condom app," she said.

The health department said the NYC Condom program has contributed to citywide declines in teen pregnancies, sexual transmitted diseases and HIV rates since it began in 2007.

For more information or to find where you can pick up a free, NYC Condom, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/condoms.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.