MU toys with wood for condom dispenser

The new wooden dispensers could be less costly than the metal models.

By Kaylen Ralph

Published Jan. 22, 2010

An increase in the number of sexual health safety products machines, most commonly referred to as condom dispensers, is a possibility if a new wooden dispenser model passes the test of time.

Shortly before the start of winter break last month, Campus Facilities replaced the custom-made metal machine in Bingham Commons with a wooden model to avoid sending the machine away for repairs. A carpenter in Campus Facilities made the dispenser, Missouri Students Association President Tim Noce said.

The Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education program went to the company Quality Condom Vending Ltd. Canada because it needed a machine with more capabilities than a typical male-condom dispenser, which are more readily available in the U.S.

"It was an inclusive process involving a number of student groups that helped to develop the list of products to be dispensed in the machines," Student Health Center Director Susan Even said. "These students were willing to listen to and adapt to what other students wanted. That's actually why they went with a custom-made machine because there wasn't a machine out there that would accommodate the variety of safety products that students wanted."

According to the Student Health Center offices, the five machines operating on campus will all be stocked within the next two weeks with a variety of brands of male condoms, as well as female condoms, dental dams, personal lubricants and sexual safety information. The dispenser formerly located in Gillett residence hall is out of circulation as the building is under construction.

After being installed in the first semester of last school year, all six of the original machines were sent back to QCVL for necessary repairs. Since then, there have been issues with keeping the machines stocked and in working condition.

"We didn't really count on the other ones breaking as fast as they did," Noce said. "It's a risk you run. It's been a headache because of the heavy usage and some of the parts in the machines often break. Unfortunately, the reason they're custom-made is because they don't make machines like that with female condoms and other products the machines provide."

Another SHAPE meeting is being planned for the near future, during which the possibility of expanding the program will be discussed.

"Whether or not we're going to expand the program is a question that still needs to be asked," Noce said. "We wouldn't go with the same company because their machines keep breaking. There are machines, not custom-made, that dispense just male condoms, but that doesn't really fit the needs of all Mizzou students."

Jordan Paul, former MSA president and columnist for The Maneater, said the wooden machines, which cost approximately $250, are inexpensive compared to the metal machines, which cost approximately $1,000 each.

"They've been looking for a way to replace the current machines or figure out what to do," Paul said. "In terms of additional capital improvements, a wooden machine or alternative would save us money because the purchase of additional custom machines is not only expensive but they have high repair demands."

Even described the wooden machine in Bingham Commons as a "trial substitute" to see if the wooden machines are a better choice than the metal machines.

"We want to see how it holds up," Even said. "We wanted to put it up, stock it, use it, see how it works."