New York City is calling on residents to design the packaging for a special edition of its branded condoms that will debut next autumn.

The free NYC condoms were launched in 2007 to encourage New Yorkers to talk about and practise safer sex. The city now gives away more than 40 million condoms a year, up from three million in 2002.

The special edition will be introduced next autumn to remind people to use condoms regularly. New York City health commissioner Dr Thomas Farley said: "We want to keep people excited about the brand, because we know that condoms protect health. This is every New Yorker's chance to help convey that message."

Any New Yorker over the age of 17 can submit original artwork for the packaging, either online or in print, on the condition that images are not copyrighted, trademarked – without correct authorisation – or sexually explicit.

The deadline for submissions is 22 January. A panel will then judge the designs and the finalists put to the public vote via Facebook.

Dr Monica Sweeney, assistant health commissioner for HIV prevention and control, said: "We hope New Yorkers will take this opportunity to promote health while showing off their talent."

The NYC condom is available to any organisation in the city and is currently available in such places as bars, gyms and coffee houses as well as clinics and community centres.