Think contraception for a safe Christmas
The HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme (CPP) is encouraging people to think contraception this Christmas by distributing 30,000 protection packs containing a condom and a sexual health information leaflet during the busy Christmas period.
The ‘Think Contraception’ Protection Packs are designed to highlight the importance of using contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy Study (ICCP, 2004) found that the most common reason cited by 18-25 year olds for not always using contraception in the past year was because sex was not planned or they were unprepared (58%), while 33% cited the influence of drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
The Programme’s health education outreach campaign will target the streets of [COUNTY] outside pubs and nightclubs during the Christmas period and addresses the Programme’s first mandate, a reduction in the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services.
The activity will take place on [INSERT DATES] around the town/city centre. The Think Contraception team will also be inviting people to take part in the ‘Get Protected Game’ to be in with a chance of winning a €100.00 One4all gift voucher for the highest score. The Get Protected Game is an engaging interactive video game that challenges players to protect themselves from STI’s and unplanned pregnancy.
Director of the Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe said: “Festive periods are often times of year when risk-taking behaviour occurs, and we aim to provide a timely reminder to sexually active adults to Think Contraception by providing sexual health information outside pubs and clubs over the Christmas period. It is vital that all sexually active adults look after their sexual health and correctly and consistently use contraception to help prevent unplanned pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”
Visit www.thinkcontraception.ie for more information. The HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme wishes everyone a happy – and safe – Christmas this year.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Mary Gleeson
HSE National Press Office
01-635 2840
mary.gleeson1@hse.ie
Notes for editors:
1. The HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme 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.
2. The Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme will be distributing the Think Contraception Protection Packs to over 18s at nighttime in pubs and clubs as follows during the Christmas Period:
Friday 9th December Wexford Town
Saturday 10th December Tralee, Co Kerry
Friday 16th December Galway City
Saturday 17th December Galway City
Sunday 18th December Bray Town
Monday 19th December Dublin City Centre
Tuesday 20th December Dublin City Centre
Wednesday 21st December Limerick City
Thursday 22nd December Cork City
Friday 23rd December Kilkenny City
