CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
In Washington, D.C., more than 100,000 condoms given away in a citywide campaign to reduce HIV and AIDS have been returned because of complaints that their paper packaging can be easily damaged and could make the condoms ineffective.
A coalition of nonprofit groups distributing the condoms for the District of Columbia Department of Health returned them after they heard complaints and noticed less demand for them.
''People were saying, 'These packages aren't any good,' said Franck DeRose, executive director of a group called the Condom Project.
Volunteers were told that the paper packets ripped in purses or burst open in pockets and that expiration dates were illegible.
The condoms are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, DeRose said, but higher-end condoms could have been bought without the city's branding at the same price. The group returned the condoms June 14.
Gregg Pane, the city's health director, said Wednesday that the condoms are safe and effective, denying that the packaging was a problem. The department will survey the distribution partners to make sure they are storing and handling the packages properly, he said.
''We purchased these through a vendor who followed FDA standards. We have no credible reports from the manufacturer, the FDA, or anyone else about performance, safety or quality issues,'' he told WRC TV.
Young people involved with the group Metro TeenAIDS said they wondered why the wrappers weren't plastic or foil, like those sold in stores.
''They doubted the authenticity of the condoms,'' said Adam Tenner, the group's executive director. ''Distribution of those condoms has been really difficult.''
The health department has given out nearly 650,000 condoms since February through partnerships with 50 organizations. The free condoms are marked with the slogan ''Coming Together to Stop HIV in D.C.''
DeRose said his group is instead buying condoms to give away. (AP)
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back
December 09 2024 1:00 PM
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
These 15 major companies caved to the far right and stopped DEI programs
January 24 2025 1:11 PM
True
Latest Stories
Blame Mitch McConnell if you’re scared and angry
February 13 2025 5:06 PM
Federal judge orders restoration of health agency web pages
February 13 2025 5:02 PM
Kennedy Center scrubs LGBTQ+ Pride concert after Donald Trump takeover
February 13 2025 4:49 PM
BREAKING: Federal judge blocks Trump’s gender-affirming care ban for minors
February 13 2025 4:34 PM
These Blue states are making it easier for transgender people to update their documents
February 13 2025 12:09 PM
These are not ordinary times: How the Human Rights Campaign plans to move forward
February 13 2025 12:01 PM
Democratic lawmakers lead congressional push to reverse Trump’s transgender military ban
February 13 2025 12:00 PM
True
How Sen. Chris Murphy is changing the Democratic Party and holding Republicans to account
February 13 2025 10:03 AM
What is gender-affirming care, who uses it, and do they regret it?
February 13 2025 9:57 AM