Background

The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy strongly believes, and research has shown, that by working together to provide easier access to condoms, we can help reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies in the City of Alexandria.

ACAP initiated this program, together with the City and many community partners, to combat a multi-year increase in sexually transmitted infections among youth and other at-risk populations.

This condom distribution program is not a stand-alone effort.  ACAP works to educate youth and their families on sexuality education and pregnancy prevention throughout the city.  ACAP targets high-risk populations and coordinates with Alexandria City Public schools to equip all youth with evidence-based sexuality education and skills to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Why is the City of Alexandria Making Condoms Available?

A: While teen pregnancy is at an all-time low in Alexandria, the City’s sexually transmitted infection (STI) rate has increased among young adults and the elderly. In the City of Alexandria, the incidence rates for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea have increased by 22 percent and 47 percent, respectively between 2012 and 2016 (Virginia Department of Health Statistics). Condoms have been proven to prevent STIs, including HIV, when used correctly during every sexual encounter. It is vital that sexually active individuals, especially young people, have access to condoms to protect their health and to encourage lifelong healthy behaviors.

Q: What is a Condom Distribution Program and What Are Its Benefits?

A: According to the Centers for Disease Control*, a condom distribution program is a public health intervention that addresses the environments that impact individual and community health. This type of  intervention increases the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of condom use. Condom distribution programs have been shown to:

• Promote delayed sexual initiation or abstinence among youth

• Increase condom acquisition, condom carrying and condom use

• Provide cost-effective and cost-saving outcomes on future medical care costs by preventing HIV and other infections and unintended pregnancy

• Significantly affect condom use behaviors and help reduce HIV/STI risk among a wide range of at-risk groups

*cdc.gov/hiv/programresources/guidance/condoms/index.html

Q: Is Health Education Provided as Part of the Condom Distribution Program?

A: The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) is providing education for youth about healthy communication and sexual decision making through a partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP). ACAP also provides education and resources to parents and families through annual Healthy Conversations workshops at various schools and community sites. Additional information and educational resources can be found at alexandriava.gov/ACAP.

Q: What If My Elementary School Child Takes a Condom or Asks About the Dispensers?

A: It is never too early or too late to talk to your child in an age-appropriate manner about sex, especially safe sex. Research has shown that children who have regular conversations with their parents and caregivers about relationships and sex are less likely to take risks with their sexual health AND are more likely to be healthy and safe. If your child comes home with a condom or asks about the dispenser, use it as an opportunity to have a conversation. For more information on how to talk to your child in an age-appropriate way, visit alexandriava.gov/ACAP.

Q: What Other Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources Are There in the City of Alexandria?

A: The Teen Wellness Center offers FREE and CONFIDENTIAL sexual and reproductive health services to ALL youth aged 12 to 19 years old who live in the City of Alexandria. The Teen Wellness Center is located at Alexandria City High School. For appointments, call 703.746.4776 or text “APPT” to 571.329.2245. The Alexandria Health Department also offers sexual and reproductive health services to all people who live, work or play in the City of Alexandria. For more information, call 703.746.4996 or visit alexandriava.gov/go/1593.

Q: Who Can I Contact for More Information?

A: For more information about the Condom Distribution Program or ACAP’s initiatives, contact Rachel Philpott, ACAP Grant Coordinator, at rachel.philpott@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3130.

Partners & Resources 

Teen Wellness Center - alexandriava.gov/TeenWellnessCenter - 703.746.4776

Health Department - alexandriava.gov/Health - 703.746.4996

Sexual Assault Center - alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence - 703.683.7273

Domestic Violence Program - alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence - 703.746.4911

Department of Community and Human Services - alexandriava.gov/DCHS