Condom Availability Program

High schools are required (by the New York City Department of Education 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 DOE staff. Additional DOE and non-DOE 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 opted-out 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 DOE or DOH email address with “Condom Order Inquiry” in the subject line.

Note: Only staff who have received 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.