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Calhoun County, MI - The Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) is pleased to announce the launch of its condom distribution program, Wear One, as part of our ongoing efforts to promote health and prevent disease for a healthier community. The goal of the Wear One program is to decrease STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and unplanned pregnancies by removing barriers to condom access and promoting acceptance of condom use, especially among those 18-24 years of age.
CCPHD will partner with local businesses and organizations to put Wear One condom packs in their restroom facilities, at no cost. This gives access to community members and eliminates barriers to accessing condoms, such as cost and embarrassment. The condom packs contain condoms, lubricants, and education about STIs.
When examining STI rates across Local Health Jurisdictions, Calhoun County trends toward the top. In 2022, Calhoun experienced the 7th highest rate of chlamydia infections and 8th highest rate of gonorrhea infections. STIs can present without symptoms, leading to untreated infections and continued spread.
“Calhoun County experiences disproportionately high rates of STIs. STIs can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications. Condoms are an excellent way to prevent these infections and stay healthy. The Wear One program is designed to give community members easy access to free condoms where they live, work, and play and empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health without fear or judgment.” said Lauren Lewandowski, Community Public Health Director.
The Wear One program was originated in 2014 by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. Over 50 counties across Michigan have participated in the Wear One program, serving 4,292,439 residents. A map of participating counties and local partnering businesses can be found at our website - https://bit.ly/CCPHDclinicservices, along with additional information about CCPHD’s various clinic services. The Wear One program is an intuitive expansion of CCPHD’s current reproductive health services, which include STI testing and treatment, along with birth control care and pregnancy testing.
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