Condoms Coming To Dorm Vending Machines At Northwestern University

[matcom]

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Condoms might soon be sold in dorm vending machines, allowing students to get protection at all hours without facing the uncomfortable prospect of asking for them.

The condoms should be in the existing vending machines at Bobb Hall and Allison Hall by the end of the quarter, said SESP senior Jessica Joslin, co-chairwoman of the committee planning the condom sales. The committee includes faculty and staff members as well as about six students, appointed through Associated Student Government. Sales from these two dorms will be used to decide if the program is popular enough to expand to other dorms.

Free condoms are available now at Health Education at Searle Student Health Service. The university buys about 15,000 condoms a year, said Dr. Donald Misch, director of health services.

But Searle is closed by 5:30 p.m. each day, and all day Sunday.

“You can’t rely on them being open in the middle of the night,” Misch said.

Some students also might be embarrassed to ask a health services worker for the condoms, said Leah Witt, co-chairwoman of the committee.

“We wanted to find a way for the condoms not to pass through an intermediary,” said Witt, a Weinberg junior.

Condoms in the vending machines would be available 24 hours a day. Arrangements with vendors and prices are still being negotiated in an effort to subsidize the cost, Misch said. He said they will probably cost about $2.25 for a pack of three.

Currently the committee is looking at different types of Lifestyles condoms. Lifestyles Classic Collection Ultra Sensitive Lubricated was one of the seven highest-rated models, according to a 2005 Consumers Union report.

http://www.dailynorthwestern.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/01/11/43c4b1a8efc8f