Condom cupids to distribute love gloves to West Side prom-goers

Clad in pink T-shirts, volunteers with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s “Love the One You’re With” condom distribution project will be spreading the love in Austin, making sure that young adults are staying safe this prom season.

On Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., the “Love the One You’re With” condom cupids crew will host a drop-in at the Austin YMCA, 501 N. Central Ave., where kids can learn about abstinence, view condom demonstrations and ask questions about safer sex.

Fun, food and facts will be provided.

Over the past few weeks, the “condom cupids” have donated thousands of condoms to health centers, salons, and dress and tuxedo shops in Austin to help teens protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.

Among Chicago neighborhoods, Austin has the highest number of STD cases among youth ages 13 to 24 and the second-highest number of HIV infections among that age group, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Program partners include the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Department of Public Health.

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