College Activists on Front Lines in the War against HIV/AIDS and STDs

For Immediate Release:	March 11, 2009
Contact:	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it : (202) 419-3420

Underground Student Network Distributes Condoms

Washington, DC (Wednesday, March 11, 2009) – Youth activists are using underground networking to distribute condoms on college campuses with little or no access to condoms as they fight against the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV among their peers. More than 3,500 college students from over 900 colleges have applied to take part in the Great American Condom Campaign (GACC), a youth-led grassroots movement to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs by raising awareness and educating their peers about critical health issues related to condom use in the United States.

This year, the GACC will distribute one million condoms to more than 1,500 “SafeSites” on more than 800 college and university campuses in 49 states (Alaska is the one exception). SafeSites are located at public and private institutions; four-year, junior and technical colleges; historically black colleges and universities; trade, design, online, music, aeronautical and military schools; and religiously affiliated schools. Priority is given to students at schools where condom availability is restricted or limited.

“It’s been great to see so many students from across the country excited about and interested in protecting the sexual health of their peers,” says Sarah Audelo, Advocates for Youth’s Youth Activist Network Manager. “Although the campuses are incredibly diverse - - from very liberal to very conservative - - the students all recognize the importance of promoting safer sex.”

The project is a collaboration of Advocates for Youth and Trojan^® brand condoms.

Despite a common goal, SafeSite distribution plans are as diverse and creative as the students behind them. From bar crawls to educational events, GACC participants balance maximum impact with discretion appropriate to campus climate and policies - -some even risking suspension or expulsion.

Taina Raquel Brezault, a senior mass media major at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, created 300 “safe-sex kits” that included condoms and sexual health information specifically geared toward students. On World AIDS Day, Brezault collaborated with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and distributed the kits, along with drinks and donuts, to students at popular locations on campus during the busiest times of day and set up an informational table in one of the school’s largest residential dormitories where she provided condoms, red ribbons, literature and snacks.
Megan Pohlman, a sophomore psychology major at the University of San Francisco, California, always takes a supply of condoms with her wherever she goes on campus, and for winter break, she discreetly packaged condoms in brown paper and handed them out on campus.
Aneda Jaramillo, a senior women’s studies major at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, used her involvement in a related student organization to further her efforts, including handing out condoms at campus events and hosting a party where condoms were displayed prominently and students were encouraged to help themselves.
Jennifer Sharrick, a freshman at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska, worked with a peer education group to distribute the condoms to classmates in dorms, in apartments, and at the student health center.
Adriana Camino, a sophomore sociology/anthropology major at Florida International University in Miami, passed her condoms out to students in campus common areas and, this semester, plans to network with other student groups and organizations for even wider distribution.
Tyler L. Fortune, a freshman at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, advertised his supply through word of mouth and makes sure to have some on hand everywhere he goes.
Bailey Ann Philbrick, a senior communications major and psychology minor at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, advertised her supply of condoms in class, went door to door around campus, brought condoms to classes and left them in common areas, including the school’s commuter lounge, for students who didn't feel comfortable asking for them.

Although young people make up only one-quarter of the sexually active population in the United States, they account for nearly one-half of the 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that occur each year - - a harsh reality that’s prompted some students to take action. Plus, young people are less likely to use condoms compared to their peers in other developed nations.

To combat this, many SafeSites are also distributing information and hosting awareness raising events to correct their peers’ misinformation, or lack thereof, as part of their condom distribution plan.

Although sometimes in opposition to school policy, many GACC participants laud the chance to become more involved on campus and to influence the lives of their peers in a meaningful way.

“At the end of the day, by becoming SafeSites, students demonstrate a genuine concern for the health and future of their peers.” Audelo says. “They recognize that students are having sex, and they are taking it upon themselves to ensure that as many people as possible are able to protect themselves.”

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Advocates for Youth is a national organization that promotes programs and advocates for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

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information on emergency birth control for South Carolina residents

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by and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth

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