The city Department of Public Health is ramping up its efforts to promote sexual health by increasing free condom distribution by 20% in 2025. Through its Take Control Philly initiative, the Department of Public Health aims to distribute 1.2 million condoms alongside sexual health information.
To support the goal, the city is strengthening partnerships with local colleges and universities, starting with Community College of Philadelphia. The collaboration will enhance condom accessibility across campuses.
In 2024, the Department of Public Health distributed 1 million condoms. The initiative prioritizes Philadelphia youth ages 13 to 19 and employs a multifaceted distribution approach, including online ordering and discreet mail delivery; participation in community events; and partnerships with high schools, health centers and resource hubs. A dedicated fulfillment team ensures distribution sites and vending machines remain consistently stocked.
“The mission of Take Control Philly is to provide ongoing access to free condoms and sexual health information throughout the city,” said Charles Gregory Postell, communications and policy coordinator for the Department of Public Health. “So, as proud as we were to distribute 1 million condoms last year, we are not stopping there. We need to build on that momentum, expand partnerships and leverage data to reach those most in need. Our goal is to make safer sexual health practices the norm for all Philadelphians.”
When used properly and consistently, condoms are highly effective at preventing STDs and sexually transmitted infections. Since 1990, condom use has prevented an estimated 117 million new HIV infections worldwide. Take Control Philly goes beyond distribution, actively working to remove barriers to improved sexual wellness.
A focus in 2025 is expanding resources on college and university campuses. The goal is timed with the recent launch of Community College of Philadelphia’s Health Jawn, a free vending machine offering condoms, pregnancy tests and other reproductive health supplies. Located in the Student Union Center, the Health Jawn goes hand in hand with smaller “gumball type” condom dispensing machines located around the main campus as well as on regional campuses in the Northeast and West Philly. Condoms for the Health Jawn and smaller machines are supplied through Take Control Philly.
“The missions of our Health Jawn and Take Control Philly are so perfectly aligned that there was no question Community College of Philadelphia would jump at the opportunity to anchor amped-up efforts by the city to reach more college students,” said Kelly Lake, manager, Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Parent and Family Programs, Community College of Philadelphia. “Yes, our distribution partnership with the Department of Public Health is about convenience, but it’s also providing a continual, discreet resource for condoms — when and where young adults need them. Our partnership is ultimately about moving the needle on health equity by giving everyone access to essential sexual health resources, without stigma or barriers.”
To further expand its reach, the Department of Public Health will launch an upgraded TakeControlPhilly.org website this year. Enhancements will improve the user experience, making it easier for individuals and organizations to request condoms and access sexual health information. The new site will also include details on the initiative’s high school screening program and offer direct connections with health department staff. ••
