CFHC Launches Condom Art Contest for California Youth

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2010

Youth contestants design condom covers for $500 prize and California distribution. Apply on Teensource.org.

CFHC launched its 7th bi-annual Condom Art Contest on April 1st. California residents between the ages of 13 and 25 are invited to submit original art for condom covers, using educational messages and designs that spread the word about sexually transmitted infections and safer sex. Submissions must be received before July 1, 2010.

Entry forms can be downloaded on Teensource.org.

The contest is an innovative way to increase sexually transmitted disease awareness among adolescents and to promote the importance of safe sex and condom use. The 2010 contest is underwritten in part by LifeStyles® Condoms.

CFHC will unveil the six winning designs this August at an award ceremony in Los Angeles. Contest winners will be awarded $500 and their artwork will be distributed throughout California.

The winning designs will be produced as covers for condom packets. Condoms and instructions on how to use condoms are included in each packet and will be available in both English and Spanish. In addition, the inside covers of the condom packets are printed with facts on preventing STDs and unintended pregnancy, as well as emergency contraception and the STD hotline number.

“The condom art contest encourages youth to spread the message of safe sex in a way they can identify with,” says Rebecca Braun, Program Manager for the STD Program, “and it’s fun to see all of the creative covers they submit. All of our partners love distributing them, too.”

CFHC distributes thousands of these condom packets each year to of its Title X Delegate Agencies and community partners. Recipients include family planning clinics, STD clinics, male involvement programs, high schools, colleges, juvenile detention facilities and other community-based health agencies.

Youth can vote for their favorite design beginning in July at www.teensource.org.

Contact:

Amparo Ruano, Division Manager, Clinical and Community Health Programs

ruanoa@cfhc.org

About the California Family Health Council:

CFHC coordinates and supports the delivery of health services in community-based organizations throughout California. The organization distributes federal Title X family planning funds to community agencies serving low income communities, and also provides those agencies with technical assistance, training and financial services. CFHC performs advanced research in reproductive health care and contraception, conducts education, training and community outreach efforts, and tests, implements and monitors effective programs.