The Community College of Philadelphia has taken a new approach to promoting sexual health and well-being amongst its students—a vending machine. Dubbed The Health Jawn, this latest addition to campus dispenses condoms, pregnancy tests, and even menstrual products, making essential supplies more accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to obtain them. With reproductive health resources becoming an increasingly important issue nationwide, initiatives like this reflect a broader effort to remove barriers and normalize conversations about sexual health.
Located in the student center, The Health Jawn has quickly become a highly used resource for students seeking free and discreet access to sexual health essentials. Its popularity has even exceeded expectations. “We’ve had to keep restocking it at least once a week,” Kelly Lake, the manager of the college’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center explained. “I’m blown away and so happy that it’s being used and really used in a way that it was designed to be used. I just think it’s so important the work that we do is serving all students, but really helping to eliminate barriers.”
Students have responded positively to the initiative, appreciating its convenience and accessibility. “It’s amazing. Everyone loves it. It’s such a great resource. So many people benefit from it. Anyone that just happens to need something from it can grab it,” said Asalah Ibrah, a Community College of Philadelphia student.
Beyond campus, the vending machine is part of a larger effort to expand access to sexual health resources across the city. Take Control Philly, which aims to distribute 1.2 million condoms in 2025, helps keep the machine stocked, ensuring students have free, stigma-free access to essential supplies.
SOURCES
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/community-college-of-philadelphia-reproductive-health