Across the board, increases in California's STD cases have lead the state's health department scurrying for solutions. Now the department has introduced a new program that provides teens free mail-order condoms.

Teens as young as 12 could access free condoms, without parental consent, through TeenSource.org, an online resource started by the California Family Health Council that provides teens with advice on sexual health.

The new program called The Condom Access Project (CAP) begins the distribution in certain counties across the Golden State for teens ages 12 to 19. The order allows them access to 10 condoms a month. The link is already being advertised on the sign-up page with a light bulb imitating the shape of a penis and the words "Condoms" and "Good Idea" vibrantly displayed .

"Remember, if you're having sex, the best way to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STDs is by correctly using a condom each and every time you have sex," the website says.

To sign up, Teen Source asks teens for their city, zip code and date of birth, then a few days later a yellow envelope arrives at the teen's home with a supply of condoms, lubricant and an educational pamphlet, WCPO reported.

Kern County has the highest incidence rate of chlamydia in the state, and was among the counties selected to participate in the home mailer program, the Bakersfield Californian reported.

Other counties offering condoms include Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Sacramento, San Diego, San Joaquin and parts of San Francisco.

"If you don't live in these counties, don't worry," Teen Source says. "CAP has still got your back-you can find a clinic near you where you can get free condoms."

Not surprisingly, a growing number of disgruntled parents and opposing advocates are against this approach.

"I would think the overwhelming majority of parents in Kern County wouldn't think this is a good idea," Executive Director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center Linda Davis told The Associated Press. "And I don't think their kids would have the nerve to request them."

According to a study by the Advocates for Youth, the government has spent more than $1.5 billion dollars since 1997 on abstinence programs that were deemed ineffective. On the other hand, programs that offered comprehensive sexual education effectively reduced teen pregnancy, delayed sexual activity, or increased contraceptive use to avoid STD contractions.

The California Department of Public Health released data last year that found an 18 percent increase in syphilis cases in the state, while chlamydia and gonorrhea jumped 5 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively. STD contraction rates were the highest in African American women, compared to other races.