For Immediate Release:

26 November 2007

Contact:

Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland

202-821-3342

elah@gwu.edu

Buying Condoms Still Problematic in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., November 26, 2007 - Save Lives: Free the Condoms Coalition (Save Lives) found that buying condoms is still problematic in the Washington, DC area.  In a recent survey of CVS stores in the District and surrounding areas, Save Lives found one CVS store that still locked condoms.  This is contrary to assurances by CVS earlier this year that stores would no longer lock condoms.  Other problems included poorly stocked shelves and condom dispensers that were broken or awkward to use.

While Save Lives appreciates CVS’s progress in making condoms more accessible, they are disappointed to note that significant obstacles still exist for customers attempting to discretely buy contraceptives.  “Someone behind the pharmacy counter stared at me the entire time I was at the condom display,” said media representative Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland.  Other coalition members had employees tell them they were using the condom dispensers incorrectly, but neglected to explain the proper procedure.  Sometimes condom dispensers made so much noise that they attracted attention from other customers. Coalition contact Rebecca Barasky said, “On
two occasions we had other customers in CVS begin talking to us and laughing when we tried to access them. Not the most embarrassment-free process.”

Save Lives is also disturbed to hear reports of CVS stores locking condoms in other areas of the country, such as Detroit and New York City.  These reports reaffirm Save Lives’ demand that CVS adopt in writing a nationwide uniform policy stating that CVS will provide customers with unassisted access to condoms. This process can be as simple as placing a brief statement on the CVS/pharmacy official web site, as does Rite Aid.   Second, the coalition demands that CVS adequately stock and maintain condom dispensers.  If the condom dispenser is not fully stocked, the customers will not be able to access condoms and will still require assistance from a cashier.

Condoms are a proven method of preventing unintended pregnancies, STDs and HIV/AIDS transmission; however, access to condoms remains a challenge for segments of society, which can discourage use and, thereby, contribute to increase rates of sexually transmitted diseases.  According to a report by DC Appleseed, a non-profit organization that works to solve the public policy problems in Washington, DC, “Removing barriers to condoms and increasing use of condoms among those that are sexually active must become a top priority.” DC Appleseed estimates that as many as 1 in 20 DC residents may be HIV positive.

Save Lives: Free the Condoms Coalition is a non-profit grass roots organization under the auspices of the Student Public Health Association at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. The Coalition fights to improve condom access for everyone. For more information on Save Lives, please visit us at http://studentorgs.gwu.edu/phsa/savelives/

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