NCSD, ASHA Encourage Condom Use in Honor of National Condom Day
The National Coalition of STD Directors in honor of National Condom Day on Feb. 14 is encouraging people to "love responsibly" and use condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, according to an NCSD release. Latex condoms are highly effective at preventing HIV transmission and can reduce the risk of transmission for other STDs, according to CDC. "Abstaining from sex is the surest way to avoid contracting an STD. However, there are many for whom abstinence is not a practical solution to preventing STDs," NCSD Executive Director Theresa Raphael said, adding, "The bottom line is that if you are sexually active, condoms are still the best protection available" (NCSD release, 2/11). "Sexually transmitted diseases remain one of the nation's biggest public health threats, and it is high time that we as a nation get serious -- get passionate -- about addressing the problem," James Allen, president and CEO of the American Social Health Association said, adding, "Abstinence and monogamy are important public health messages, but to think that messages of abstinence and monogamy alone will fix the problem is shortsighted at best, and dangerous at worst" (ASHA release, 2/12). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
