Marsha Bartenetti and Rachael Sudul, founders of condom-case manufacturer Just in Case, have begun a partnership with YouthAIDS to help raise awareness and money for the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
Bartenetti said 10 percent of every sale of the special RendezVous Red compact will go directly to YouthAIDS.
"We believe it's time to empower women to look after themselves when it comes to sexual health by providing a beautiful way for them to do so," she said. "Our Just in Case compacts are a great solution for any embarrassment that may come with carrying condoms."
Bartenetti said a condom compact is a must-have accessory for sexually active women to keep in their purses.
"Let's face it: There is an elephant in the room, and its name is Condom," she said. "With one in four teenage girls infected by an STD (according to the Centers for Disease Control), we need to address the fact that our girls [and] young women are in trouble and no one is talking to them. Using a condom just might save a life."
Bartenetti said the partnership with Youth AIDS is a "huge honor for us."
"We are committed to raising as much money as possible for this very important cause," she added.
YouthAIDS, an HIV and AIDS education and prevention program, targets at-risk people between the ages of 15 and 24. The program uses media, pop culture, music, theater and sports to reach 600 million young people in more than 60 countries with life-saving messages, products, services and care, Bartenetti said.
The Just in Case compact that benefits YouthAIDS is available at
JustInCaseInc.com and at YouthAIDS.org (through the "Shop for a Cause" link).