London’s Guardian Profiles Program Distributing Condoms in Taxis
London's Guardian on Wednesday profiled a program that uses taxis to distribute condoms to passengers in several British towns in an effort to stem the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In Brighton, England, where the Safe Ride Home program was launched, Radio Cabs taxi drivers can choose whether to participate. Currently, 10 nightclubs and bars in the Brighton area also work with the program, handing out flyers alerting people to the program. Participating drivers once a week can pick up condoms when they stop in the office, according to Chris Nutley, owner of Radio Cabs. The council of Brighton and Hove City has placed regulations on the program, which has distributed 60,000 condoms since its inception, allowing cab drivers only to distribute condoms Thursday through Saturday after 10:30 p.m. Stephen Nicholson, sexual health and HIV lead commissioner for Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trust, called the program "innovative" but "inappropriate." He added, "I have concerns about people with no sexual health training handing out condoms." The condom distribution program currently operates in three British towns, and it is expected that it will be launched in another seven (George, Guardian, 3/1).
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