Dallas AIDS Infection Increases May Change Policy on Condom Dispersal

2008-12-22 16:57:20 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Dallas, News)

Dallas county’s policy on distributing condoms in at risk neighborhoods may change after reports on new AIDS cases.

Wired PR News.com – Dallas County has seen a steady increase in the number of residents living with AIDS over the past few years. As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the high number of new cases may be the catalyst for a change in a 13 year-old policy that prohibits the distribution of condoms in high-risk areas.

Some members of the Commissioner’s Court have hopes that the policy will be reversed. As quoted in the report of Commissioner John Wiley Price, “I can’t continue to join the ostrich head-in-the-sand group given the numbers.” The county’s HIV rate had been the highest in Texas over the last two years.

As noted in the report, commissioners voted to ban the practice of health workers passing out condoms and other items used in preventative programs in 1995 stating the actions encouraged immoral and illegal behavior. Health care experts opposed the measure, citing the health risks it would have for the public.

Photo Credit: Gary van der Merwe