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  • Title: Condom availability in a small town: lessons from Falmouth, Massachusetts.
    Author: Wright B, Cranston K.
    Journal: SIECUS Rep; 1992; 21(1):13-7. PubMed ID: 12317949.
    Abstract:
    Condom availability was approved October 1991 by the Falmouth, Massachusetts School Committee. In early 1992, condom vending machines were installed in high school restrooms in Falmouth. The Massachusetts Education Board in August 1991 urged local schools to make condoms available; in 1990 the policy was to integrate HIV/AIDS education within comprehensive health education and human services programs. Cambridge was the first to adopt a condom availability plan, which was in effect in March 1990. The debate was contentious and a group has protested with a law suit to stop condoms availability. Advice is provided on some of the lessons in providing condoms, staff training, and suggestions for holding public hearings on condom availability. The HIV/AIDS training team for Falmouth is discussed along with a description of the differences in focus for administrators, nursing staff, support staff, faculty, non certified staff, and school committees. The history of the endeavor to provide condoms is documented. Information collection centered on the efficacy of condoms in HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, the legal liability associated with school based distribution, and experiences from other school systems. 16 lesions were learned. 1) taking time yields the best outcome; 2) the public hearing format should be highly structured; 3) know your opposition and remember that it is likely to be a small group; 4) set the arguments for support on you own terms; 5) the argument that protecting the public health is a moral issued should be used; 6) before introducing condom availability, build consensus around STD/HIV prevention; 7) students are the most natural allies; 8) strong leadership is required; 9) an individual should be placed in charge; 10) obtain support from other communities with existing programs; 11) do not give up if you fail; 12) obtain allies well in advance; 13) national organizations are allies; 14) comprehensive health education wins wherever condom availability loses; 15) use media; and 16) legal liability is a red herring, so be prepared to defend your position.
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