NYC-Branded Condoms Are a Big Apple First

Yesterday, the Department of Health handed out the new NYC Condom all over town (video, too), excitedly pointing out that NYC is the first city to brand its own condom! Woo! Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden explained the move towards a branded condom, "Branding condoms is a great way to encourage their use. You know it's good quality, and you know it's a name you can trust." Frieden was also punny, saying, "We are unveiling, unfurling, unrolling, if you will, rolling out the New York City condom."

A 24 year old who saw volunteers giving out condoms at the Second Avenue subway station said, "Everyone from 60-year-old women down to teenagers are loving them." Nineteen year old Johnnie Brown told the Post, "I'm going to be using them profusely."

Not everyone is happy with the Health Department's efforts: Catholic League president Bill Donohue said, "What's next? The city's own brand of clean syringes? Every illiterate in America already knows about the wonders of condoms. At a time when police and firemen are underpaid, is this really the best use of city money?" Frieden's response: "For people who say, 'Oh, this is not a good use of taxpayer dollars,' let me assure you that this will save the city substantial resources in preventing infections ... and unwanted pregnancies."

You can find out where to pick up your own free NYC Condom at, yes, a NYC Condom website: NYCCondom.org.

Posters from the NYC Condom campaign

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By Jen Chung in News on February 15, 2007 9:48 AM

Comments [rss]

Shmurf

This is good news ! Now I can slip on a "J" train rubber and go for or a "Hoe ride" ! It brings a whole new meaning to the term "Running the train "

robin.g

The Catholic League has a problem with it?? Shocker.

tien

gotta love their creative copy.

La Leone

I applaud the MTA for lending itself to something CREATIVE for once!

Seriously, when the I hear the same recorded anouncement 7 times in a row, I want to blow my head off.

I'm so SICK of hearing the phrase "suspicious package." Let's change it to mean "a boy that falls short of the mark?"

Example: I inspected his SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE! Was hoping he'd be a grower, (since he's not a show-er) but he's not! It was the way it looked in jeans that threw me off!

And yay for free condoms, but if they could just give out free rides on the actual TRAINS, I would then be overjoyed!

Shmurf

This is good news, I've always wanted the letter "J" covering my hose . Thanks to the city now I can ! It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Running a train"

lifer

I like to ride in the "last car"

DanielKrieger

This is a great initiative. The Department of Health should be applauded for their recent work.

kwanito

And how many people will be channeling the token booth employees by falling asleep once they get off and the train pulls out of the station?

Dave H.

And I would guess that women who rely on subway-themed condoms can expect to be late on a regular basis.

Dave H.

So is "Taking a ride on the F Train" now an acceptable euphemism?

REALITY CHECK

"You know it's good quality, and you know it's a name you can trust."

"Quality" associated with the MTA's Subway system? This could arguably raise concerns that the condom might stop working during the least convenient time.

Dave H.

Dear 19 year old Johnnie Brown: as "profusely" means pouring forth liberally, I sincerely hope that is not how you use NYC Condoms, as that is generally what they're meant to prevent.