February 14th is not only Valentine’s Day, it marks the start of National Condom Week. McLean County Health Department (MCHD) is using this as an opportunity to promote the importance and effectiveness of condom use in protection and prevention, as well as maintaining a healthy and happy sexual lifestyle.
MCHD has put together special pre-assembled bags filled with a variety of free colored and flavored latex condoms and lubricants available during the month of February. Sexual health educational materials are also available, and staff can discuss sexual health issues and clinic services with those who are interested.
“Any time of year you can walk into the health department and take home a variety of free condoms and lube, no questions asked,” said Geri Stuart, Director of MCHD Clinical Health Services. “These special bags that will be available around Valentine’s Day not only bring awareness of this daily service, they also provide the opportunity to promote our clinic services and open a dialogue about safe sexual practices.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Gonorrhea and Syphilis have increased from 2017 to 2021 and are at record-high levels.
When used correctly and consistently during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, latex condoms and lubricants are quite effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphilis.
LaNell Greenberg, Communicable Disease (CD) Clinic Program Supervisor, says many people are aware that using condoms reduces these risks. But barriers, like price and stigma, often prevent it. “Having a conversation with your partner can be awkward or embarrassing. You might fear appearing too forward or promiscuous. Or maybe you are worried you might offend your partner. But frankly if you are in a sexual relationship with someone you should be able to discuss your STI status, getting tested, and using protection. These bags are a perfect way to spark that conversation.”
MCHD’s CD Clinic offers confidential STI testing and treatment services regardless of income, sexual orientation, or health insurance status. This includes free brown bag “pee and flee” tests for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, blood tests for pregnancy, Syphilis and HIV, and case coordination and counseling for those who test positive for HIV or who are living with HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, services are available for those who are HIV negative and want to remain HIV negative.
Although a variety of free condoms and lube are always available at MCHD, the special Valentine-themed bags are available while supplies last. McLean County Health Department is located at 200 W. Front St, Bloomington, IL 61701. Free condoms are available in the Communicable Disease clinic on the first floor (Room 139) Mon-Fri from 8:00-4:30.
For more information about our CD clinic services:
- Call (309) 888-5435
- Visit https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/1671/Communicable-Disease-Clinic
For more information about our PrEP for HIV program:
- Call (309) 888-5396 for a confidential consultation
- Visit https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/1835/PrEP-for-HIV
