Free condom-by-mail program set for San Bernardino County

A program designed to reduce sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers — by providing free condoms via the mail — has expanded its service into San Bernardino County, which officials say has the state’s fifth highest chlamydia rate.

San Bernardino County also ranks 11 among the state’s 58 counties for its gonorrhea rates, according to California Department of Public Health officials.

Some 11,688 teenagers receive free condoms by mail through The Condom Access Project, which began in 2012.

The project is run by the California Family Health Council and is funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Nomsa Khalfani, vice president of programs and strategic initiatives.

Of those, 2,739 are in Los Angeles County, where the program rolled out in early 2014, Khalfani said.

Along with 10 condoms monthly, the mailers have educational materials on sexually transmitted diseases.

Teens and young adults have the highest rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia out of all age groups in California, according to the California Department of Public Health.

In 2013, statewide there were 36,914 cases of chlamydia and 5,116 cases of gonorrhea among the state’s 15-19 year-old age group.

During that time period, San Bernardino County recorded 2,286 cases of chlamydia and 265 cases of gonorrhea were reported among those 15 to 19 years old, CDPH figures show.

Other California counties where the condom-by-mail program is in effect include: Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin and parts of San Francisco.

More than 90,000 condoms have been mailed to youth in these counties disproportionately burdened with high STD rates, Khalfani said.

California law allows youth to access sensitive health information and services, including condoms, without parental consent.

A study of New York City’s school condom availability program found there had been a significant increase in condom use among sexually active students, but no increase in overall sexual activity, CFHC officials said in a statement.

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“…Research shows that open and informative parent-teen communication around sexual health leads to teens making healthier decisions about sexual onset and behavior,” Khalfani said.

“By providing sexually active teens and their parents with the tools they need to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy, we are hoping to move the needle in the right direction” in San Bernardino County, Khalfani said.

To find out more information on the program and other teen friendly resources go to TeenSource.org.

Parents are encouraged to visit the TeenSource’s companion site for parents, TalkWithYourKids.org.

Both are operated by the California Public Health Council.

Free condom-by-mail program set for San Bernardino County