High schools are required (by the New York City Public Schools HIV/AIDS prevention program) to provide Health Resource Rooms where free condoms, health information, and health referrals are made available to students in grades 9-12 by trained and trusted staff. Parents and legal guardians may opt their student out of receiving condoms. However, all students may receive information and referrals to health services.
Condom Availability Program (CAP) Requirements
- Each school must have at least two trained NYCPS staff. Additional NYCPS and non-NYCPS staff who work at the school can also be trained to support the program.
- Parent notifications/opt-out letters (see below) must be provided to parents/legal guardians of all new students upon enrollment.
- A confidential list of all students who have been optedout of receiving condoms must be available to all CAP staff. Students will be identified by ID numbers only; names will not be used.
- Confidentiality is critical to CAP.
- CAP must be available for at least 10 periods per week.
- CAP schedule and locations must be clearly advertised for all students via the student letter (see below) and posters.
- Referrals to health services must be made available.
- Health Resource Room(s) must be safe, supportive and inclusive spaces for all students.
Information for CAP-trained Staff
CAP Training
See the Office of School Wellness Programs Professional Learning Catalog to register for upcoming trainings.
Ordering condoms and educational materials
Email CAP2@schools.nyc.gov from a NYCPS or DOHMH email address with “Condom Order Inquiry” in the subject line.
- Note: Only staff who have completed the Office of School Wellness Programs’ CAP training will be able to place an order for condoms. CAP-trained staff may email CAP2@schools.nyc.gov for more information.
Condom Availability Program Parent/Guardian Notification Letters
Inform parents and legal guardians of new students about the program using this parent/guardian notification letter, which includes editable fields for your school's letterhead and principal's name:
Condom Availability Program Student Notification Letter
Inform students about the program using this student notification letter, which includes editable fields for your school's letterhead and principal's name.
Condom Demonstration Videos
This collection of video resources on WeTeachNYC—created by the NYCPS Office of School Wellness Programs in collaboration with Wheelhouse Communication—demonstrate the safe and effective way to use the:
- Internal condom
- External condom
- Dental dam