Teens to Receive Free Condoms Via Mail

New program uses federal funds to provide teens with safe sex option

Teens in California won't have to deal with the embarrassment of buying condoms or asking parents or health care providers for them either. The Condom Access Project will allow kids 12-19 to receive condoms via the mail. The controversial program, which is federally funded, was created to combat the growing rates of teen pregnancy and STDs in the state.

Teens and young adults have the highest rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia of all age groups in California, according to health officials. In Kern County, one of the counties where the new program is available, teenage birth rates are among the highest in the state.

"We can't keep our heads in the sand and pretend there isn't a problem...," Vice President of Public Affairs for the Family Health Council Amy Moy told the Bakersfield Californian. "We want to make sure (teens are) as safe as possible."

Each month students will who sign up for the program can go online to TeenSource.org, a website run by the nonprofit California Family Health Council, and order a package of 10 condoms, lube and health brochures.