Crisis Pregnancy Agency to distribute 30,000 ‘Think Contraception’ tins at 2008 Oxegen Festival

9th JULY 2008 – The Crisis Pregnancy Agency will this weekend distribute 30,000 ‘Think Contraception’ tins at the Oxegen music festival as part of its campaign to highlight the importance of using contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency has responsibility to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies in Ireland. The Agency has been working in partnership with MCD to raise awareness of sexual health at music festivals each summer since Witnness in 2003. The Agency has distributed over 120,000 “Think Contraception” tins at Oxegen since 2004.

Caroline Spillane, Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, thanked festival organiser MCD for its continued support: “We know that the “Think Contraception” tin is very popular and the summer festival season offers a unique opportunity to reach our key target audience of 18-24 year olds. We have distributed over half a million tins at music festivals and sports events since 2004. The Agency would like to congratulate MCD for its commitment to health and safety and its continued support of the Agency’s work.”

Each ‘Think Contraception’ tin contains an individually boxed condom, sexual health information, an Oxegen site map and festival safety information. ‘Think Contraception’ tins will be distributed to festival goers at campsite entrances on Friday and will also be available from Information & Welfare tents across the site for the duration of the festival.

Justin Green of MCD added: “The safety of our fans is paramount and we look forward to working with the Crisis Pregnancy as part of our safety initiative for Oxegen. We are also working closely with the Gardaí, Drink Aware and other relevant authorities to ensure that fans have both a safe and enjoyable festival.”

ENDS
Editor’s Notes:
1. The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (CPA) was established in 2001 and is mandated to provide for:
A) A reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services
B) A reduction in the number of women with crisis pregnancies who opt for abortion by offering services and support which make other options more attractive
C) The provision of counselling services, medical services and other health services for the purpose of providing support, after crisis pregnancy, as may be deemed appropriate by the Agency.

For more information contact:

Lorna Farren
Crisis Pregnancy Agency
01-8146292
087-6289831

The Agency will be available for interviews and photos onsite at Oxegen on Friday 11th July from 11am.