NYC Health Department Faces Outcry Over Condom Shortage
UPDATE: New York City’s Health Department is under fire as critics demand immediate action to replenish the city’s free condom supply, which has been in shortage for nearly a year. The outrage has sparked a viral response on social media, including a new Instagram account, Hack NY, dedicated to highlighting the issue.
Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of available condoms, with the Health Department recently admitting that they have “exhausted our inventory far sooner than anticipated.” Those seeking free condoms are met with a message stating: “We hope to be back up and running shortly – stay tuned and we will see you soon!”
The urgency of this shortage is exacerbated by rising sexual health concerns. A preliminary management report released by Mayor Eric Adams’ office in January revealed that the distribution of “safer-sex products,” including condoms, plummeted by 21 percent in the first four months of fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to delays in the procurement process for a new vendor to supply these essential items.
In a creative twist, Hack NY launched a video skit featuring comedian Ayanna Dookie and actor Aaron Cohen, humorously illustrating the potential consequences of this shortage. The video portrays Dookie’s character waking up next to Cohen and realizing she is pregnant, accompanied by a narrator stating, “This could have been avoided. New York City is supposed to be giving out free condoms, but they’re in short supply.”
Matt Wing, co-founder of Hack NY, explained their pivot to criticism of the city agency, stating, “We decided to encourage viewers to call out the DOH for the shortage in hopes they will feel motivated to increase supply.” The account encourages Instagram users to comment on the condom videos, which automatically generates tweets tagging the Health Department.
Despite the Health Department’s claims of a “free condom” map, Hack NY found that only 33 percent of the listed organizations actually had condoms available. The DOH has not provided a timeline for when supplies will be restored, heightening public concern.
Historically, New York City has been a pioneer in promoting sexual health. The city first distributed male condoms in STD clinics in 1971 and began offering them in public high schools in 1991. The “NYC” brand of condoms was introduced in 2007 during Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration, featuring colorful packaging inspired by the subway lines.
As criticism mounts, city officials remain silent, with both the Health Department and Mayor Adams’ office declining to comment on the ongoing shortage. The community awaits a concrete action plan to rectify this pressing issue as the demand for safe sex practices continues to rise.
With the ongoing public outcry and a growing movement to advocate for better sexual health resources, the spotlight is on New York City to act swiftly and restore access to these vital products. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as developments unfold.
