Beginning this month, George Washington students can now purchase condoms from vending machines in residence halls.
This new pilot program was created in response to a student group’s request for wider, easier and anonymous student access to condoms.
Last year, 15,000 condoms were distributed across the George Washington University campus, said Tim Miller, associate dean of students. In addition to being available at the Student Health Service (SHS), condoms are given out at various events and health fairs. SHS also gives condoms to house staff, who can then provide them directly to their student residents.
Under the pilot program, two-condom packs will be sold for $2 in all residence hall vending machines, which also takes GWorld, by next week. According to Mr. Miller, this approach allows students to access condoms without having to leave their residence halls and also provides a level of discretion.
“We have always taken the overall health and wellness of our students very seriously, and we look forward to continuing conversations with all students about how we can increase the outreach and visibility of our efforts to serve all students and maintain their health and wellness,” said Mr. Miller.
Mr. Miller said the pilot program will allow GW to determine the need for greater access to condoms and whether any additional resources should be provided to students.
Safe sex education and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also offered on campus. Information brochures on STI prevention are available at SHS and the outreach office in Thurston Hall.