Los Angeles In Search Of Next Sex Symbol

LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched its "LA's Next Sex Symbol" contest today, asking residents to submit photos or artwork to be featured on an official Los Angeles-branded condom. The top 10 wrapper designs will appear on one million and one condoms set for free distribution throughout LA County by the end of 2012.

To enter the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older and live in Los Angeles County. For the complete list of rules, guidelines and to submit your design, go to www.LASexSymbol.com. Residents are also encouraged to "Like" the campaign Facebook page at facebook.com/LACondom. The contest submission deadline is June 17, 2012.

An estimated 2,000 new HIV infections occur annually in L.A. County.  Last year, the Department reported more than 47,500 new cases of chlamydia, more than 9,500 new cases of gonorrhea and nearly 1,800 new cases of syphilis.

The top 50 designs will be chosen by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Division of HIV and STD Programs' Community Advisory Board. From the top 50, the public will be able to vote for the grand prize winner, runners-up and finalists. The winners will receive donated prizes and will be announced on June 27.

Design submissions cannot infringe on trademarks, including Los Angeles sports teams or famous landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign or the Los Angeles City Hall building. Entries that are considered obscene or vulgar will also be disqualified.

The campaign is being facilitated by KCBS Marketing with help from LA County's condom wholesaler, ONE Condoms.

The LASexSymbol program is funded by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This initiative is intended to increase condom use, drive awareness of HIV & STD prevention, and provide information about HIV/AIDS and STD treatment and care.

To learn more about Public Health and the work we do please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth, or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.

SOURCE Los Angeles County Department of Public Health