Life Guard DC is a

Washington, DC ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan ...

condom A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are both male and female condoms. With proper use—and use at every act of in ...

distribution program and part of The Condom Project, a

Tides Center Tides Foundation is an American public charity and fiscal sponsor working to advance progressive causes and policy initiatives in areas such as the environment, health care, labor issues, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights and human ...

project that is driven by the involvement of peer-to-peer social networks, local businesses, and

community-based organization Community organization or Community Based Organization refers to organization aimed at making desired improvements to a community's social health, well-being, and overall functioning. Community organization occurs in geographically, psychosocially, ...

outreach services to destigmatize condoms and to increase their use. The program distributes free condoms at local establishments in historically overlooked communities, 24 hours a day.

HIV in Washington

Washington has the worst

HIV/AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual ...

epidemic in the United States. 1 in 20 residents is living with

HIV The human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) are two species of ''Lentivirus'' (a subgroup of retrovirus) that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which progressive failure of the immune ...

and 1 in 50 residents is living with

AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual m ...

.HIV/AIDS in the Nation's Capital: Improving the District of Columbia's Response to a Public Health Crisis
". The DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. August 2005 The epidemic is driven by sexual activity (both

heterosexual Heterosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between people of the opposite sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, heterosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to ...

and

homosexual Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to peop ...

) and then by injected drug use.

Latex condoms A condom is a sheath-shaped Barrier contraception, barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a Sexually transmitted disease, sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are both male and female con ...

, when used correctly, are highly effective in reducing the risk of

HIV transmission Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual m ...

.How Effective Are Latex Condoms in Preventing HIV?
", The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Many stores and pharmacies in Washington, like

CVS CVS may refer to: Organizations * CVS Health, a US pharmacy chain ** CVS Pharmacy ** CVS Caremark, a prescription benefit management subsidiary * Council for Voluntary Service, England * Cable Video Store, former US pay-per-view service * CVS F ...

, keep condoms in locked cabinets which can deter people from purchasing them. Also, there are few business that sell or organizations that distribute condoms in the areas of Washington with the highest rate of HIV.Levine, Susan.
The Condoms? Please, Take One
, ''The Washington Post'', December 1, 2006; page B01.

DC Government response to the epidemic

The DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

public policy Public policy is an institutionalized proposal or a decided set of elements like laws, regulations, guidelines, and actions to solve or address relevant and real-world problems, guided by a conception and often implemented by programs. Public p ...

organization, has harshly graded the District's response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.HIV/AIDS in the Nation's Capital: Improving the District of Columbia's Response to a Public Health Crisis
", The DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, August 2005 The Center's report called condom distribution an "immediate priority". The city had planned to distribute 600,000 condoms in 2005 but only delivered 100,000.Levine, Susan.

, ''The Washington Post'', February 16, 2007; page B03

Life Guard's initiative

Life Guard was formed by a coalition of local non-profit organizations to provide condoms, specifically in areas with high HIV infection rates. Life Guard creates condom packages with lubrication, safe sex information and information on HIV/AIDS resources in Washington. These condom packages are placed at 24-hour businesses such as fast food places and laundromats. The program has already distributed more than 100,000 condoms. The program has received a lot of press for its innovative and simple way of tackling the HIV crisis. The organization uses simple ways to explain the organization and its goals, such as using

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

External links

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Life Guard Dc Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C. Health and disability rights organizations in the United States HIV/AIDS activism HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States